Former Air Force Commander Air Chief Marshal (Retired) Roshan Goonetileke appeared before the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) yesterday (10) to provide a statement in connection with the controversial MiG aircraft deal.

Goonetileke had reportedly been summoned by the FCID as part of its ongoing investigation into the transaction involving the purchase of MiG aircraft for the Sri Lanka Air Force.

The former Air Force Commander had previously been questioned by the FCID in September 2016 over the same deal, with an official confirming at the time that a statement had been recorded from him.

The investigation into the controversial transaction has continued for several years, with several individuals linked to the deal coming under scrutiny. Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa was also summoned by the FCID in connection with the investigation.

Former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia Udayanga Weeratunga, who has been linked to the transaction, was later arrested and extradited to Sri Lanka to face investigations into alleged financial irregularities relating to the MiG deal.

The transaction involved the procurement of MiG-27 aircraft and related equipment for the Sri Lanka Air Force. The deal has been under investigation over alleged financial irregularities and questions surrounding the manner in which the procurement was conducted.

Goonetileke's latest appearance before the FCID is part of the continuing investigation, and no further details regarding the statement he provided were immediately available.

The FCID is expected to record statements from other individuals connected to the transaction as investigations continue.