About
Gotabaya Rajapaksa is a Sri Lankan former politician and retired military officer who served as the eighth President of Sri Lanka from 2019 until his resignation in 2022. Previously, he was the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development from 2005 to 2015 under his brother's presidency, Mahinda Rajapaksa. He played a significant role in the final phase of the Sri Lankan Civil War.
Career Timeline
Joins Sri Lankan Army
Begins military career.
Defence Secretary Appointed
Appointed Defence Secretary, gaining power.
Civil War Ends
Oversaw the end of the Civil War.
Elected President
Elected President, peaking career.
Resigns Amid Protests
Forced to resign due to economic crisis and protests.
Legal Challenges
Faces ongoing legal challenges.
Disgraced Legacy
Remembered for economic mismanagement and authoritarian tendencies.
Related Celebrities
Last updated: February 24, 2026