Colombo (News 1st): Former Ambassador to Russia, Udayanga Weerathunga was remanded until the 17th of this month. He was arrested this morning at the Bandaranaike International Airport by the CID and was later produced at the fort magistrate this evening.

The Airport Immigration and Emigration Office said he arrived aboard a SriLankan Airlines flight from Muscat. The Former Ambassador to Russia is wanted by Sri Lankan Authorities for his unlawful interference in purchasing MiG Fighter Aircraft for the Sri Lankan Air Force from Ukraine.

Udayanga Weeratunga was named as a suspect in a case filed over the matter for embezzling millions, through the deal. Upon his arrival, Weeratunga was arrested by the CID and was being interrogated.

On multiple occasions, the Colombo Fort Magistrate issued open warrants for the immediate arrest of former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia Udayanga Weeratunga after considering facts presented by the Police Financial Crimes Investigation regarding the controversial deal which took place between 2007 and 2009.

Thereafter, he was arrested in the UAE following an INTERPOL Red Notice. He was released after a considerable period in prison overseas.

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