Former diplomat denies arming separatists in Ukraine

A former Sri Lankan diplomat has denied reports that he helped to channel weapons to pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine.

Udayanga Weeratunga, Sri Lanka's former Ambassador to Russia, told BBC Sandeshaya that the allegations were “a complete lie”.

“I am in possession of a certificate issued by the Internal Affairs Ministry to the effect that I am not being investigated for any crime within Ukraine," said Mr Weeratunga, who had reportedly gone missing and had his diplomatic passport withdrawn.

"Had I supplied arms to Ukrainian rebels, I would not have been able to live here," he added, stating that he remained in Ukraine.

Mr Weeratunga also denied any connection to the death of Noel Ranaweera, a former staff member of the Sri Lankan Embassy in Russia.

See our earlier posts:

Sri Lanka may send investigative team to Ukraine over reports of arms smuggling (22 Apr 2015)

Sri Lanka accused of supplying weapons to pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine (05 April 2015) 

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