Mahinda Rajapaksa

Percy Mahinda Rajapaksa, born on November 18, 1945, in Weeraketiya, Sri Lanka, is a prominent Sri Lankan politician. He served as the sixth President of Sri Lanka for two consecutive terms, from 2005 to 2015, a period marked by significant political and economic developments in the island nation. His presidency is largely remembered for the conclusion of the Sri Lankan Civil War in 2009, a conflict that had spanned several decades. Prior to his presidency, Rajapaksa held various ministerial portfolios, including Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and Minister of Highways. His political career began in the 1970s, establishing him as a long-standing figure in Sri Lankan politics. Rajapaksa's background as a lawyer informed his approach to governance. His tenure as president saw efforts towards national reconciliation and economic infrastructure development, including large-scale projects funded by foreign investment. He also implemented social welfare programs aimed at improving the lives of ordinary Sri Lankans. His leadership style and policies have left a notable impact on the country's trajectory, influencing its social fabric and international relations. He remains an influential figure in Sri Lankan politics, with his family continuing to play a significant role in the nation's governance.

Rajapaksa was born in Weeraketiya in southern Sri Lanka and educated at Richmond College and Nalanda College. He practiced law before entering Parliament in 1970 as one of the youngest members of the Sri Lankan legislature.

• •Mahinda Rajapaksa's father, Don Mathew Rajapaksa, was a prominent politician and parliamentarian in Sri Lanka.
• •He is the first executive president in Sri Lanka's history to be re-elected for a second term.
• •Rajapaksa studied law at the Sri Lanka Law College and became an attorney-at-law.
• •He is often referred to by his first name, Mahinda.
• •During his presidency, Sri Lanka celebrated the centenary of its independence in 2018, although his presidency ended in 2015.

Mahinda Rajapaksa hails from a prominent political family in Sri Lanka. His father, Don Mathew Rajapaksa, was a Member of Parliament. He is married to Shiranthi Wickremesinghe Rajapaksa, and together they have three sons: Namal, Yoshitha, and Rohitha. His younger brother, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, also served as President of Sri Lanka, and his elder brother, Chamal Rajapaksa, has held various ministerial positions and served as Speaker.