Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala has acknowledged that Sri Lanka encounters legal barriers in attempting to extradite former Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran from Singapore, though authorities continue exploring alternative legal options.
Sri Lanka's efforts to bring former Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran back from Singapore have encountered significant legal obstacles, according to Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala. Mahendran, who now holds Singapore citizenship and has reportedly changed his name, has become difficult to extradite despite remaining wanted in connection with the Central Bank bond case.
Singapore has previously rejected Sri Lanka's extradition requests, stating they do not satisfy the legal requirements outlined in Singapore's Extradition Act. Despite this setback, Wijepala indicated that the authorities are actively examining alternative legal avenues to facilitate Mahendran's return. Mahendran was indicted in June 2019 before the Permanent High Court at Bar for allegedly causing losses exceeding US$11 million to the state through Central Bank bond transactions, and proceedings related to the case continue.
Beyond the Mahendran case, Wijepala highlighted broader efforts to apprehend wanted individuals. Authorities have secured 236 Interpol Red Notices to facilitate the return of suspects for legal proceedings, with 110 of these notices obtained since the current government assumed office. Of those targeted, 66 wanted individuals have already been returned to Sri Lanka, while investigations are ongoing into 97 others. The authorities have identified the locations of an additional 39 individuals, with at least one expected to be brought back to the country in the coming week.
