Former Lankan Air Force chief quizzed over MiG deal

A former Sri Lankan Air Force chief who led the forces in defeating the Tamil Tigers was today questioned by investigators in connection with a controversial USD 10 million deal to buy four MiG-27 fighter jets in 2006.
Sri Lankan police's Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) recorded Roshan Goonetileke's statement as part of its probe into the controversial deal.
The Sri Lankan Air Force had signed an agreement with Ukrainian firm Ukrinmash to buy four MiG fighters at a cost of USD 2.462 million each as well as overhauling four existing SLAF MiG-27 aircraft.
SLAF signed the deal on behalf of then Lankan government headed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The Rajapaksa administration has been accused of corruption by then opposition parties in the deal. The then opposition parties filed a complaint in the Bribery Commission against the MiG deal.
The Rajapaksa family has faced many cases of alleged wrongdoings during the decade when they were in power.
However, Rajapaksa supporters accuse the FCID and the government of carrying out a politically-motivated investigation against the former Sinhala strong man and his family.
In July, the FCID had also sought a court order to get Interpol assistance in arresting former Lankan Ambassador to Russia, Udayanga Weeratunga, in connection with the deal.