Extradition of Sri Lanka’s Fugitive Former Ambassador to Russia Udayanga, Faces Obstacles.

Extradition of Sri Lanka’s Fugitive Former Ambassador to Russia Udayanga, Faces Obstacles.

A warrant was issued for the arrest of Udayanga Weeratunge who is absconding court in connection to the controversial MiG deal. An INTERPOL red notice has also been issued for his arrest. Weeratunge was arrested in the UAE on the 24th of March in line with the international warrant and continues to be detained there.
A senior public official noted that the necessary documents for the extradition of Udayanga Weeratunge have been sent to authorities in the UAE. The official noted that as they were notified to submit a request for Weeratunge’s extradition in line with extradition laws, the relevant documents are being drafted at present.
In some quarters it was stated that although an extradition treaty   between the two countries is in existence, it has not been ratified by the  Srilanka Parliament . Hence, it would be an obstacle to securing the extradition of Udayanga Weeratunge.
Responding to this issue Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the UAE, Sulaiman Jiffry Mohideen noted that the UAE government has not provided relevant information on the subject to the Embassy. He added that steps would be taken on this matter on intimation made by the UAE Government .