Sri Lanka has an extradition treaty with Singapore and it is possible to get former Central Bank Governor Arjun Mahendran extradited, Police Spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekara said.
However, Gunasekara said that just because a Red Notice was obtained, Mahendran could not be brought back in a day. It is a process and working through this process takes time.
With regard to former Ambassador to Russia, Udayanga Weeratunge, IGP Pujith Jayasundara said Weeratunge was arrested in Dubai over an issue that took place in that country.
“Our investigations locally, is a separate issue where he is being investigated over his transactions during the time he served as the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia. Although we have evidence against him, we need to get him back in order to get a statement from him. Interpol has certain agreements with each country. Initially, a Blue Notice was issued against Weeratunga and later we presented the evidence against him (Weeratunga) to Interpol and obtained a Red Notice,” he said.
However, the FCID had earlier noted that Udayanga Weeratunga was arrested by the Dubai authorities based on their investigations. But, the IGP said that he was arrested over an issue pertaining to the violation of Dubai laws.
“But, although he is wanted in Sri Lanka, Dubai should have a reason to send him here. Therefore, it is up the Dubai authorities to decide whether they would agree to extradite him or not. We cannot force them, but are still negotiating with them for Weeratunga’s return,” the IGP said.