Former Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran has denied claims that he has legally changed his name, rejecting a recent statement attributed to a government minister.

In a letter addressed to Newswire dated August 30, Mahendran said the allegation was “entirely false” and requested that his denial be published.

“It has been brought to my attention that a minister of the government of Sri Lanka has made a public statement that I have changed my name,” Mahendran said.

“I wish to inform you and your readership that such an allegation is entirely false,” he added.

Mahendran signed the letter under the name “Lakshman Arjuna Mahendran” and provided a Singapore address.

His response follows a statement by Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala that authorities had received information that the former Central Bank Governor, who is wanted in connection with the Central Bank bond case, had changed his name to “Harjan Alexander.”

The minister had said the Criminal Investigation Department had received information regarding the alleged name change, while authorities were exploring alternative legal avenues to bring Mahendran back to Sri Lanka amid obstacles to his extradition from Singapore.

Mahendran is wanted by Sri Lankan authorities in connection with legal proceedings stemming from the 2015 Central Bank Treasury bond case.

His latest statement directly disputes the government’s claim regarding his identity, setting up conflicting accounts between Mahendran and Sri Lankan authorities over whether any legal name change has taken place.