Who Is Mahinda Rajapaksa? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on November 18, 1945, Mahinda Rajapaksa is a prominent Sri Lankan politician who served as the President of Sri Lanka from 2005 to 2015. His tenure is marked by significant political, economic, and social changes in the country. As of 2025, Rajapaksa is 79 years old and continues to influence Sri Lankan politics through various channels.
| Occupation | Prime Ministers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 18, 1945 |
| Age | 79 Years |
| Birth Place | Weeraketiya, Southern Province, British Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | Sri Lanka |
Popularity
Mahinda Rajapaksa's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific measurements for Mahinda Rajapaksa's height and weight in 2025 might not be updated, prior records indicate that he stands approximately 6 feet (183 cm) tall. His weight fluctuates as it often does with public figures, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle has been a focus in his later years.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Mahinda Rajapaksa is married to Shiranthi Rajapaksa, and they have been together for several decades. The couple shares three children, including Namal Rajapaksa, who is also active in the political arena. Despite the challenges that have marked Rajapaksa's political career, his family has remained a central part of his life, providing support and continuity.
Born in 1945, Rajapaksa was the third child and second son of D. A. Rajapaksa and Dandina Samarasinghe Dissanayake. Rajapaksa spent his formative years at his family home in Medamulana. At the age of six he was sent to his father's school, Richmond College in Galle. Initially, he and his elder brother Chamal were boarded with a family in Galle.
Later, their mother rented a house in Galle called the 'Singapore House' and moved there to facilitate the education of the growing family. In the mid-fifties, the Rajapaksa family moved to Colombo and Mahinda Rajapaksa was admitted to Nalanda College, Colombo.
Later in 1957, he transferred to Thurstan College, where he took part in sports such as cricket, rugby and athletics, taking part in the 400m relay team and becoming the shot put champion.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Mahinda Rajapaksa’s net worth is estimated to be between $10 million to $15 million. This net worth comprises his earnings from his political career, investments, and assets accumulated over the years. His salary as a former president and various old roles in politics would contribute to this figure, although specific salary figures for 2025 are not disclosed.
Rajapaksa returned to Parliament after his tenure as president, becoming the first former president to do so. He was elected as a Member of Parliament for Kurunegala District.
On 23 January 2015, the Seychelles government announced that it would assist the Sri Lankan government in their search for funds that were allegedly transferred by the Rajapaksa regime into Port Victoria offshore bank accounts.
In February, India announced that it would assist the Sri Lankan government in tracing billions of dollars that were allegedly deposited into overseas bank accounts belonging to Rajapaksa and associates.
The government sought help from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in locating this hidden wealth to expose the alleged corruption of the previous regime.
Career, Business and Investments
Mahinda Rajapaksa's career spans decades in public service, law, and politics. His significant policies during his presidency include infrastructure development and efforts to boost the economy, although not without controversy. Since 2015, he has remained involved with the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party and has engaged in various business ventures that focus on development projects and investments within Sri Lanka.
During Rajapaksa's political career, he has been accused of multiple crimes including war crimes during the last years of the Sri Lankan civil war as well as other criminal accusations including human rights violations during his presidency, corruption and for instigating violence on anti-government protestors on 9 May 2022. As of 2023 he has been sanctioned by Canada for human rights violations.
Social Network
Mahinda Rajapaksa remains an influential figure on social media platforms, primarily through Facebook and Twitter. His accounts are utilized not only to connect with supporters but also to share his views on current events in Sri Lanka and the world. His engagement on these platforms reflects his continued relevance in Sri Lankan politics.
On 26 October 2018, Rajapaksa was controversially appointed to the office of prime minister by president Maithripala Sirisena after the UPFA withdrew from the unity government. The incumbent, Ranil Wickremesinghe, refused to accept his dismissal, stating that it was unconstitutional. This disagreement resulted in a constitutional crisis.
The Sri Lankan Parliament passed two no-confidence motions brought against Rajapaksa on 14 and 16 November 2018. Failing to follow proper procedures, president Sirisena rejected both. On 3 December 2018, a court suspended Rajapaksa's powers as prime minister, ruling that his cabinet could not function until establishing its legitimacy.
Rajapaksa resigned from the post of prime minister on 15 December 2018. Wickremesinghe was re-appointed as prime minister, and Rajapaksa was appointed Leader of the Opposition.
Education
Rajapaksa’s educational journey includes attending Royal College in Colombo, followed by studying law at the University of Colombo. He was admitted to the Bar as an attorney-at-law in 1974, which laid the foundation for his future political career. His legal background has significantly shaped his approach to governance and public policy.
In conclusion, Mahinda Rajapaksa remains a significant figure in Sri Lanka's political landscape as of 2025. His rich history, personal life, and continued engagement in various sectors highlight his influential legacy and enduring presence in both politics and society.
Rajapaksa contested the 1970 general elections as the SLFP candidate for the Beliatta constituency and was elected to the House of Representatives, having gained 23,103 votes against his rival Dr. Ranjit Atapattu from the United National Party (UNP) who gained 16,477.
At the time, he was the youngest member of parliament (MP) at the age of 24 and served as a backbencher for the governing party. Following changes to the admission process to the Sri Lanka Law College, which allowed young MPs to gain admission, he entered Sri Lanka Law College and studied law while serving as an MP.
In July 1977, Rajapaksa lost his parliamentary seat in the SLFP's landslide defeat in the 1977 general elections, to Dr. Ranjit Atapattu who had gained 24,289 votes to Rajapaksa's 17,896.
