Arrest me if you can, But, I am not mentally prepared to face arrest charges
by Sulochana Ramiah MohanCourtesy: The Ceylon Today
( February 21, 2016, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Former Ambassador to Russia Udayanga Weeratunga appointed by his cousin, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, challenged the Government and demanded they meet him either in Ukraine or at the Russian Foreign office to ‘bring to a closure’ the allegations against him with regard to the arms deal he is alleged to have had with the pro Russian rebels in Ukraine several years back. “My financial assets have been frozen by the Government, and I am recommencing my tea business in tough times. I did not kill Noel nor did I supply arms to the rebels. I am not a big shark in the Russia/Ukraine political circuit but if I am in great trouble I could still reach out to Russian President Vladimir Putin,” says Weeratunga.
Q. You have been branded as the most controversial Ambassador Sri Lanka has ever had. That aside what’s your current position?
A: 15 years ago I started a tea business and I own a tea brand named Randy Tea. For the past nine years I was working for our overseas mission and did not attend to my business very much. Now times are difficult and I’m redeveloping my tea trade.
Sri Lanka’s former ambassador to Moscow Udayanga Weeratunga (2ndL) meets Russian President Vladimir Putin (2nR) at the Kremlin in Moscow in 2006 ©Denis Sinyakov (AFP/File) Courtesy: Daily Mail
Q. Where do you live?
A: I am based in Ukraine. For almost 30 years now Ukraine has been my hometown and for the last 20 years I have been residing here with my family at this very same address. Everything is registered here at this address.
Sri Lanka’s former ambassador to Moscow Udayanga Weeratunga (2ndL) meets Russian President Vladimir Putin (2nR) at the Kremlin in Moscow in 2006 ©Denis Sinyakov (AFP/File) Courtesy: Daily Mail
