Nandasena Gotabaya Rajapaksa served as the eighth President of Sri Lanka from November 2019 until his resignation in July 2022. As the first president in the nation's history to step down before completing a full term, his tenure was marked by a severe economic collapse, public protests, and significant social unrest across the island.
Military Career and Insurgencies
Born in 1949 in the Matara District, Rajapaksa pursued a career in the military, joining the Ceylon Army in 1971. Educated at Ananda College and the Defence Services Staff College, he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During his service, he held roles in the Gajaba Regiment and participated in several operations, including the Vadamarachchi Operation. His military tenure involved counterinsurgency efforts during the 1987-1989 JVP insurrection and early stages of the Sri Lankan Civil War.
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Between 2005 and 2015, Rajapaksa served as Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development. In this capacity, he oversaw the final military operations against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, which concluded in 2009. His period in the defence portfolio also saw him survive an assassination attempt by a suicide bomber in December 2006.
Presidency and Economic Crisis
Running as a candidate for the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, Rajapaksa was elected president in 2019 on a platform emphasizing national security. His presidency coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic and a subsequent economic crisis characterized by high inflation, shortages of essential goods, and external debt difficulties. In April 2022, the government suspended external debt payments, leading to a formal default.
Resignation and Aragalaya
The deteriorating economic conditions triggered widespread protests known as the Aragalaya. As demonstrators demanded his resignation, the government implemented states of emergency and curfews. Reports from observers noted the use of security forces and arrests during the civil unrest. Facing mounting pressure, Rajapaksa resigned in July 2022, ending his time as Minister of Defence and Minister of Technology.
Fast facts
- Born: 1949, Matara District
- Military Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
- Presidential Term: 2019-2022
- Education: Ananda College, Defence Services Staff College
- Political Party: Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna
- Citizenship: Sri Lanka, United States
- Religion: Theravada
- Key Office: Minister of Defence (2019-2022)
Questions readers ask
Was Gotabaya Rajapaksa the first president to resign in Sri Lanka?
Yes, he was the first Sri Lankan president to resign before completing his term.
What military experience did Rajapaksa have before becoming president?
He was a career military officer who served as a Lieutenant Colonel, seeing active service in the Sri Lankan Civil War and the 1987-1989 JVP insurrection.
Achievements
- President of Sri Lanka (2019–2022)
- Minister of Defence (2019–2022)
- Minister of Technology (2020–2022)
- defence minister
- Eastern Humanitarian Operations Medal
- Northern Humanitarian Operations Medal
- North and East Operations Medal
- Vadamarachchi Operation Medal
- Educated at Ananda College and Defence Services Staff College
