A decade in national leadership defined by the end of a 26-year conflict, large-scale infrastructure expansion and post-war reconstruction across Sri Lanka.
Born in Weeraketiya in Sri Lanka's Southern Province, Mahinda Rajapaksa entered national politics early, becoming one of the youngest members of Parliament in the country's history at the age of 24. Over the following decades he held ministerial portfolios in labour and fisheries before being appointed Prime Minister in 2004.
In 2005 he was elected President of Sri Lanka, a position he held for two consecutive terms until 2015. His presidency is most widely associated with the conclusion of the Sri Lankan Civil War in 2009, after which his government directed significant public investment toward rebuilding roads, ports, airports and power infrastructure across the island.
Rajapaksa returned to executive government as Prime Minister from 2019 to 2022, and has since continued an active role in national politics, most recently taking up duties connected to the Leader of the Opposition's Office.
A chronological record of the roles Mahinda Rajapaksa has held across his political career.
Becomes one of the youngest members of the Sri Lankan Parliament at age 24, representing the Beliatta electorate.
Serves as Minister of Labour and later Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
Appointed Prime Minister of Sri Lanka by President Chandrika Kumaratunga.
Wins the presidential election and is sworn in as the sixth Executive President of Sri Lanka.
The 26-year conflict between the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE comes to an end, and post-war reconstruction begins.
Secures a second term, overseeing a decade-long programme of national infrastructure development.
Returns as Prime Minister under President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, before resigning amid national economic pressures in 2022.
Takes up duties at the Opposition Leader's Office, continuing an active role in Sri Lankan parliamentary politics.
Major projects completed or launched under Mahinda Rajapaksa's presidency, spanning transport, energy and post-war reconstruction.
Development of a new deep-water seaport in the Southern Province, intended to expand Sri Lanka's maritime and shipping capacity.
InfrastructureConstruction of the country's second international airport, expanding air-transport capacity in the south of the island.
InfrastructureSri Lanka's first major expressway, connecting Colombo to the southern coastal region and reducing travel times significantly.
TransportA dedicated highway linking the capital to Bandaranaike International Airport, easing congestion on the main airport route.
TransportSri Lanka's first large-scale coal power plant, built to address the country's growing electricity demand.
EnergyA national programme to resettle displaced families and rebuild roads, housing and services across the Northern and Eastern provinces.
ReconstructionSri Lanka's civil war, which began in 1983, concluded in May 2009 during Mahinda Rajapaksa's first presidential term. The military campaign against the LTTE ended decades of armed conflict on the island.
The years that followed his presidency focused on reconnecting the north and east of the country to the national economy through new roads, rail links, housing and public services.
More than a decade after leaving the presidency, Mahinda Rajapaksa remains one of the most recognised figures in Sri Lankan public life. Supporters point to the end of the civil war and a decade of large infrastructure projects as the defining achievements of his time in office.
His governments' record, including the conduct of the war's final phase and the economic policies of later years, has also been the subject of continued domestic and international debate. He remains active in parliamentary politics into 2026, currently associated with the Leader of the Opposition's Office.