Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa said former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia Udayanga Weeratunga should return to Sri Lanka and respond to the allegations leveled against him. 

Issuing a statement from overseas, Rajapaksa said the former ambassador's absence would only allow the 'likes of Rajitha Senaratne' to perpetuate more lies. 

"That is why one should not run away from the repressive methods adopted by the current government," he added. 

"He should return to Sri Lanka and respond to the baseless allegations leveled against him. That will clear his name," the former Defence Secretary explained. 

The Sri Lankan law enforcement authorities are seeking to arrest Weeratunga over the MIG investigation. The former Defence Secretary's name too has been associated in the same investigation. 

The former Defence Secretary's statement came as eight officials  from the  FCID, the CID, the Foreign Ministry, the AG’s Department and the Immigration Department left for Dubai to ensure Weeratunga's extradition. 

Law and Order Minister Sagala Ratnayaka, in a statement, said yesterday they would liaise with the Dubai authorities in this regard.