Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa appeared before the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) on September 11 to provide a statement in connection with the continuing investigation into the MiG aircraft procurement transaction.
Rajapaksa had been summoned by investigators in relation to the inquiry.
He subsequently left the FCID after his statement was recorded.
Former Air Force Commander also questioned
Former Air Force Commander Marshal of the Air Force Roshan Goonetileke had appeared before the FCID on September 10 in connection with the same investigation.
His statement was recorded for more than five hours.
The MiG transaction
The investigation concerns the 2006 purchase and refurbishment of MiG-27 fighter aircraft for the Sri Lanka Air Force.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa was Secretary to the Ministry of Defence at the time.
The transaction and the movement of funds associated with it have been the subject of a long-running investigation into alleged financial irregularities.
Legal status
Rajapaksa's appearance before the FCID and the recording of his statement do not establish criminal responsibility.
Historical allegations concerning:
- irregularities in the transaction;
- intermediary entities;
- diversion or misappropriation of funds;
- documentation connected with the transaction
remain allegations or matters raised during investigations and legal proceedings unless established by a final judicial finding.