Gotabaya

Gotabaya Rajapaksa is a Sri Lankan politician who served as the President of Sri Lanka from November 2019 until his resignation in July 2022. Born on June 28, 1949, in Weeramanwila, Sri Lanka, he is the eldest son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the younger brother of former Prime Minister Basil Rajapaksa. Gotabaya Rajapaksa is a career military officer who rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the Chief of Defence Staff in 2005 before retiring in 2009.

During his military career, Rajapaksa played a significant role in Sri Lanka's civil war, particularly in the final stages of the conflict against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). His leadership was credited with the military’s victory in May 2009, though the war also resulted in significant civilian casualties and ongoing humanitarian concerns. After retiring from the military, he entered politics, initially serving as a member of parliament before being appointed Minister of Defence in 2015 under his brother Mahinda’s presidency.

In the 2019 presidential election, Rajapaksa ran as an independent candidate, campaigning on a platform of economic revival, national security, and reconciliation. He defeated incumbent President Maithripala Sirisena, winning with 52.25% of the vote. His presidency was marked by efforts to strengthen national security, infrastructure development, and economic policies, though it also faced criticism over human rights concerns, corruption allegations, and economic challenges. In July 2022, amid widespread protests over economic collapse, fuel shortages, and inflation, Rajapaksa resigned, becoming the first Sri Lankan president to step down voluntarily.

Following his resignation, Rajapaksa left the country temporarily, returning in 2023 amid political uncertainty. He remains a prominent figure in Sri Lankan politics, with his family continuing to influence the nation’s political landscape. His presidency is often analyzed for its impact on Sri Lanka’s economic crisis and its implications for future governance in the country.