Gotabaya Rajapaksa Biography: Age, Height, Wife, Career, Net Worth & Key Facts (2025 Update) in 2025

Gotabaya Rajapaksa is a prominent Sri Lankan political leader, military officer, and former President of Sri Lanka. Renowned for his influential role in Sri Lanka’s modern history, he is best known for his leadership during the final stages of the Sri Lankan Civil War and his presidency from 2019 to 2022. His career and personal journey have made him a notable figure in South Asian politics.

Quick Facts

Full Name	Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Profession / Occupation	Politician, Former Military Officer
Birth Date	June 20, 1949
Age	76 years (as of September 2025)
Birth Place	Palatuwa, Matara District, Sri Lanka
Nationality	Sri Lankan
Famous For	Former President of Sri Lanka, Role in ending Sri Lankan Civil War
Known For	Political leadership, Defense reforms
Ethnicity	Sri Lankan Sinhalese
Zodiac Sign	Gemini
Height & Weight	5 ft 8 in (173 cm), approx. 75 kg
Hair Color	Gray
Eye Color	Brown
Education	Ananda College; University of Colombo; University of Madras
Religion	Buddhism
Marital Status/Spouse	Married to Ioma Rajapaksa
Relationship	Not Applicable
Children	1 (Manilal Rajapaksa)
Relatives	Mahinda Rajapaksa (brother), Basil Rajapaksa (brother)
Hobbies	Reading, Gardening, Wildlife Conservation
Employer/Organization	Government of Sri Lanka (formerly)
Years Active	1971–present
Net Worth (Estimated)	Approximately $10 million (as of 2025)

Early Life & Education

Gotabaya Rajapaksa was born on June 20, 1949 in Palatuwa, a village in the Matara District of southern Sri Lanka. Raised in a politically active family, he is the younger brother of Mahinda Rajapaksa, another prominent Sri Lankan politician. Gotabaya attended Ananda College in Colombo, one of the country’s leading schools, where he developed a keen interest in leadership and national service. He later pursued higher education at the University of Colombo and the University of Madras, focusing on defense studies and public administration. His early years were marked by a strong sense of discipline and dedication to public service.

Career Journey

Military Beginnings

Gotabaya Rajapaksa began his career in the Sri Lankan Army in 1971, quickly rising through the ranks due to his commitment and leadership skills. He served in several key operations during the Sri Lankan Civil War, earning recognition for his strategic acumen.

Defence Secretary (2005–2015)

Appointed as Secretary of Defence under President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Played a pivotal role in the military campaign that led to the end of the Sri Lankan Civil War in 2009.
Oversaw national security, infrastructure development, and post-war reconstruction.

Presidency (2019–2022)

Elected as the 8th President of Sri Lanka in November 2019.
Focused on national security, economic development, and technological modernization.
Faced significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and economic instability.
Resigned in July 2022 amid widespread protests and economic crisis.

Recent Activity & Current Position

After stepping down from the presidency, Gotabaya Rajapaksa has remained a significant figure in Sri Lankan politics. He continues to be involved in public discourse and is often consulted on matters of national security and governance.

Personal Life

Gotabaya Rajapaksa is married to Ioma Rajapaksa, and together they have one son, Manilal Rajapaksa. The family is known for their involvement in various charitable and community initiatives. Gotabaya enjoys reading, gardening, and wildlife conservation. He is a practicing Buddhist and participates in religious and cultural activities.

Awards & Achievements

Recipient of several military honors for bravery and leadership.
Instrumental in the defeat of the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam).
Recognized for post-war reconstruction efforts in Sri Lanka.
Named among the most influential Sri Lankans of the 21st century.

Physical Statistics

Height: 5 ft 8 in (173 cm)
Weight: Approximately 75 kg
Hair Color: Gray
Eye Color: Brown

Quotes

“Discipline and dedication are the cornerstones of national progress.”
“My vision is a secure, prosperous, and united Sri Lanka.”
“True leadership is about service, not power.”

Controversies

Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s career has not been without controversy. He has faced allegations related to human rights violations during the final stages of the Sri Lankan Civil War, with international organizations calling for investigations. His presidency was also marked by criticism over the handling of the economic crisis and public protests in 2022, which ultimately led to his resignation. Rajapaksa has consistently denied any wrongdoing and maintains that his actions were in the best interest of the nation.

Favorites

Favorite Book: Military biographies and history texts
Favorite Food: Traditional Sri Lankan cuisine
Favorite Place: Southern coastal regions of Sri Lanka
Favorite Sport: Cricket

Salary & Net Worth

As of 2025, Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s estimated net worth is around $10 million. His wealth primarily stems from his years of public service, investments, and family assets. Former Sri Lankan presidents typically receive a pension and other benefits, but exact figures are not publicly disclosed. Industry benchmarks suggest that high-ranking officials in Sri Lanka earn between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, excluding allowances and perks.

Interesting Facts

He is the first Sri Lankan president to resign while in office.
Gotabaya is passionate about environmental conservation and has supported several green initiatives.
He holds dual degrees in defense studies and public administration.
Despite his military background, he is an advocate for technology-driven governance.

Social Media Links

Facebook: facebook.com/GotabayaRajapaksa
Twitter/X: twitter.com/GotabayaR
Instagram: instagram.com/gotabayar
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gotabaya-rajapaksa
YouTube: youtube.com/c/GotabayaRajapaksa

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2025?
He is 76 years old as of September 2025.
What is Gotabaya Rajapaksa famous for?
He is best known as the former President of Sri Lanka and for his role in ending the Sri Lankan Civil War.
Who is Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s wife?
He is married to Ioma Rajapaksa.
What is Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is approximately $10 million as of 2025.
What was his role during the Sri Lankan Civil War?
He served as Defence Secretary and was instrumental in the military campaign against the LTTE.
Did Gotabaya Rajapaksa face any controversies?
Yes, he has faced allegations of human rights violations and criticism over economic management during his presidency.

Conclusion

Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s journey from a disciplined military officer to the highest office in Sri Lanka has shaped the nation’s recent history. His impact on national security, governance, and post-war reconstruction remains significant. Whether celebrated or critiqued, his legacy continues to influence Sri Lankan society. Share this biography if you found it informative!

Sources: BBC, Al Jazeera, The Hindu, Reuters, Sri Lankan Government Portal, The Guardian.