Former Sri Lankan ambassador to Russia Udayanga Weeratunga has been prevented from leaving the United Arab Emirates until the conclusion of investigations, Asian Mirror reliably learns. 

Although he has been released by the Dubai law enforcement authorities, he has been asked to remain in the country. 

A team of Sri Lankan officials are currently discussing Weeratunga's matter with Dubai authorities. Informed government sources added that if the discussions bear fruit, the Dubai authorities will agree to send Weeratunga back to Sri Lanka.

It is now learnt that Interpol has only issued a 'Blue notice' against Weeratunga and not a 'Red notice'. As a result, the Dubai authorities had not detained Weeratunga after questioning. 

In a Facebook post yesterday, Weeratunga said he was released as there was no Interpol warrant nor was there any allegations against him at the international level. 

Weeratinga also said he did not intend to visit Sri Lanka at this juncture, as the Police had launched a witch-hunt against him. 

"But, I state with responsibility that the allegations leveled against me over corruption were false," he said.