Gotabaya Rajapaksa Biography: Wife, Age, Children, Net Worth, Height, Parents, Military

Nandasena Gotabaya Rajapaksa is a Sri Lankan former military officer and politician who served as the 8th President of Sri Lanka from 2019 to 2022.

He is best known for his role as Secretary of Defence during the final phase of the Sri Lankan Civil War, where he oversaw the military defeat of the LTTE in 2009.

As president, his tenure was marked by economic mismanagement and public unrest, culminating in his resignation amid a national crisis.

Profile

• Full Name: Nandasena Gotabaya Rajapaksa
• Stage Name: Gotabaya Rajapaksa
• Born: June 20, 1949
• Age: 75 years old
• Birthplace: Palatuwa, Matara District, Sri Lanka
• Nationality: Sri Lankan
• Occupation: Former Military Officer, Politician
• Height: 1.77 m
• Parents: D.A. Rajapaksa and Dandina Rajapaksa
• Siblings: Mahinda Rajapaksa, Basil Rajapaksa, Chamal Rajapaksa, Jayanthi Rajapaksa, Gandini Rajapaksa, Preethi Rajapaksa, Dudley Rajapaksa, Chandra Tudor Rajapaksa
• Spouse: Ioma Rajapaksa
• Children: Manoj Rajapaksa
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $10 million

Early Life and Education

Nandasena Gotabaya Rajapaksa was born on June 20, 1949, in Palatuwa, Matara District, Sri Lanka, to D.A. Rajapaksa, a former Member of Parliament, and Dandina Rajapaksa. He is the fifth of nine siblings, with notable brothers including Mahinda Rajapaksa, Basil Rajapaksa, Chamal Rajapaksa, Jayanthi Rajapaksa, Gandini Rajapaksa, Preethi Rajapaksa, Dudley Rajapaksa and Chandra Tudor Rajapaksa.

He completed his schooling at Ananda College in Colombo. In 1983, he earned a Master’s degree in Defence Studies from the University of Madras, India, and later obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology from the University of Colombo in 1992.

He is of Sinhalese ethnicity and practices Buddhism.

Career

Nandasena Gotabaya Rajapaksa began his military career in April 1971 when he joined the Sri Lankan Army. He served in various capacities, including as a signals officer and later with the elite Gajaba Regiment.

He saw active service during the early stages of the Sri Lankan Civil War and the 1987–1989 JVP insurrection. He retired from the army in 1992 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

In 2005, he was appointed Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development during his brother Mahinda Rajapaksa’s presidency. In this role, he played a pivotal part in the military campaign that led to the defeat of the LTTE in 2009, effectively ending the civil war.

His tenure was marked by significant infrastructure development but also faced allegations of human rights violations.

In 2019, Gotabaya Rajapaksa ran for president under the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party and won the election, becoming the first Sri Lankan president with a military background and no prior elected office experience. His presidency faced challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and an ensuing economic crisis.

Public dissatisfaction grew due to economic mismanagement, leading to mass protests. In July 2022, amid escalating unrest, he resigned from the presidency and left the country.

Social Media

Gotabaya Rajapaksa does not have any active social media accounts.

Personal Life

Nandasena Gotabaya Rajapaksa is married to Ioma Rajapaksa. The couple has one son, Manoj Rajapaksa.

Throughout his political career, his family has been prominently involved in Sri Lankan politics, with several siblings holding key governmental positions.

Net Worth

Nandasena Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s estimated net worth is approximately $10 million USD. His wealth is attributed to his military and political careers, as well as investments and family assets.

His financial status has been a subject of public interest, especially during the economic crisis that led to his resignation.