Extradition of Udayanga Weeratunge hits a roadblock

COLOMBO (News 1^st) -Authorities have been unsuccessful as yet in securing the extradition of Sri Lanka's fugitive former Ambassador to Russia Udayanga Weeratunge, who is currently in Dubai. 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 placed under arrest in the UAE on the 24^th 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. However, media reports suggest that as the extradition treaty with the UAE has not been ratified by Sri Lanka, it would be an obstacle to securing the extradition of Udayanga Weeratunge. The Sunday Times reported that while the extradition treaty was signed on the 29^th of April 2002, it is yet to be ratified by Sri Lanka's parliament. Responding to a query from News 1^st, 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 in line with the instructions of the government.   https://www.facebook.com/NewsfirstSL/videos/1921572061236376/