Arjuna Mahendran has rejected claims by a government minister that he legally changed his name to "Harjan Alexander," calling the allegation "entirely false" in a letter to media.
Former Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran has disputed assertions that he has undergone a legal name change, responding directly to claims made by a government official. In a letter dated August 30 addressed to NewsWire, Mahendran categorically rejected the allegation, stating it was "entirely false" and requesting publication of his denial.
Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala had previously announced that authorities received information suggesting Mahendran changed his name to "Harjan Alexander." According to the minister, the Criminal Investigation Department obtained this information as investigators explored legal alternatives to secure Mahendran's return to Sri Lanka, citing difficulties in extradition proceedings with Singapore.
Mahendran, who signed his response under the name "Lakshman Arjuna Mahendran" and provided a Singapore address, is wanted by Sri Lankan authorities in connection with the 2015 Central Bank Treasury bond case. The conflicting statements between Mahendran's denial and the government's claim create contradictory accounts regarding whether any formal name change has occurred. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between the former governor and Sri Lankan authorities as they pursue legal action against him.
