Veteran banker Arjuna Mahendran has returned to Sri Lanka to take up the position as the new Central Bank Governor.

He has already met Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and expressed willingness to proceed with the duties of the post.

Earlier it was reported that Mahendran had difficulties in accepting the post with immediate effect due to his other professional commitments. Therefore, the government explored the possibility of appointing Dinesh Weerakkody as the “interim” CB Governor, until Mahendran’s return.

It is learnt that Mahendran will assume duties as the Central Bank Governor this week itself.

Mahendran, who has nearly 30 years of extensive experience in the financial services industry across Asia, serves as Chief Investment Officer of the Wealth Management Division at Emirates NBD Bank PJSC.

Mahendran has an experience of over 26 years in both private companies and public sector organizations, including senior positions with the Central Bank and Ministry of Finance of Sri Lanka as well as the World Bank.

He holds a Master of Arts in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from the University of Oxford.