The Rise and Fall of the Mahinda Rajapaksa's family in Sri Lanka

[ThinkTank]

The rise and fall of the Mahinda Rajapaksa's family in Sri Lanka is a fascinating saga that has captured the attention of many. Let’s delve into some key points:

The Rajapaksa Dynasty:

The Rajapaksas are a rural land-owning family from southern Sri Lanka. Their ancestors have been involved in state and regional councils since pre-independence days.
At their peak, four brothers from the Rajapaksa dynasty held significant positions: Gotabaya Rajapaksa (President), Mahinda Rajapaksa (Prime Minister), Basil Rajapaksa (Finance Minister), and Chamal Rajapaksa (Minister for Irrigation, Internal Security, Home Affairs, and Disaster Management).
The concentration of power within the family was immense, and they signed large infrastructure contracts while cracking down on minorities and journalists

Economic Crisis and Downfall:

Despite their initial popularity, the Rajapaksas faced an economic crisis of their own making. Their mismanagement and policies led to widespread protests.
The Sri Lankan economy suffered due to factors such as debt accumulation, unproductive use of borrowed funds, and dwindling foreign exchange reserves.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s presidency followed the devastating Easter bombings in 2019, and the subsequent economic challenges eroded public trust in the family’s leadership

Political Fallout:

The Rajapaksas lost the trust of Sri Lankans in less than three years after Gotabaya’s victory. Citizens from various ethnic backgrounds united in demanding their ouster due to the economic crisis.
Ethnic Tamils, who form the majority in northern Sri Lanka, boycotted the Rajapaksas electorally, citing alleged excesses by the Army during the war.
The Covid-19 pandemic further exacerbated the economic situation, affecting tourism and other sectors

Legacy and Accountability:

The Rajapaksas’ legacy is one of both power and controversy. They achieved military victory over the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) but faced criticism for human rights abuses.
Their downfall highlights the delicate balance between populism, authoritarianism, and economic management in politics.
As President Gotabaya Rajapaksa steps down, questions remain about the future of South Asia’s once-powerful political family.

In summary, the Rajapaksas’ journey from war heroes to economic villains reflects the complexities of governance, accountability, and public perception in Sri Lanka. For more in-depth information, you can refer to the articles mentioned in the references