Government approves deal with Ukraine to extradite criminals

The Government today said that cabinet has approved a proposal to reach an agreement with Ukraine to extradite criminals.

The Government said that a proposal made by President Maithripala Sirisena, in his capacity as the Minister of Defence, to enter in to an agreement with the Government of Ukraine on extradition of criminals, was approved by the cabinet of Ministers.

The agreement will provide the opportunity to request the authorities in Ukraine to receive criminals who have engaged in illegal activities in Sri Lanka and sought protection in Ukraine.

Last month the Government said it was to reach a separate agreement with Ukraine on dealing with criminal matters.

The Government said international mutual legal assistance in criminal matters is becoming increasingly important to combat such crimes.

The Government?is currently investigating the activities of a former Sri Lankan envoy living in Ukraine and a warrant has also been issued for his arrest.

Sri Lanka?s former Ambassador to Russia, Udayanga Weeratunga, was accused by the Government of giving arms to rebels in Ukraine.

Weeratunga however denied the allegations and said that he was not under any investigation in Ukraine and also refused to return to Sri Lanka to respond to the claims. (Colombo Gazette)