Chamal Rajapaksa


Chamal Jayantha Rajapaksa is a Sri Lankan politician who was Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka from 2010 to 2015. Previously he served as Minister of Ports & Aviation and Irrigation & Water Management. He hails from a well known political family in Sri Lanka. His father, D. A. Rajapaksa, was a prominent politician, independence agitator, member of parliament and Minister of Agriculture and Land in Wijeyananda Dahanayake's government. He is the elder brother of Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was President of Sri Lanka from 2005 to 2015. Nine members of the Rajapaksa family have been members of parliament in Sri Lanka.
Shashindra Rajapaksa is the former chief Minister of Uva Provincial Council and former Basnayaka Nilame of the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama devalaya.

Early life and career

Rajapaksa was born in Palatuwa in the Southern District of Matara and raised in Medamulana in the District of Hambantota. He hails from a well known political family in Sri Lanka. Rajapaksa had his entire education at Richmond College, Galle. As a student, he played Soccer for the School and was an Athlete. Having left school, he joined the Public Service.

Public Service

Entered the Public Service of Sri Lanka as a Police Officer serving in the Police Force for more than eight years. Served the State Trading General Corporation as the Asst. General Manager before getting into active politics in 1985.

Political career

Contested the by-election held in 1985 for Mulkirigala Electorate.
Entered Parliament in 1989 as a member of parliament of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party representing Hambantota District. Has been a member of parliament continuously since 1989, retaining his seat in all elections held to date.
Prior to the present appointment as Speaker of the Parliament he has held the following portfolios.