Mahinda Rajapaksa sworn in as new Prime Minister

November 22, 2019

Former President and the leader of Sri Lanka Podu Jana Peramuna Mahinda Rajapaksa was sworn in as new Prime Minister of Sri Lanka before President Gotabaya Rajapaksa today (21).

The swearing in ceremony was attended by former President Maithripala Sirisena, former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, former Ministers and several other dignitaries.

Following the defeat his Party candidate’s defeat at the recently concluded Presidential Election, former Premier Wickremesinghe rendered his resignation clearing the way for new President to form a government.

The newly elected Prime Minister Rajapaksa was first elected to the Parliament in 1970 and served as Prime Minister from 6 April 2004 until his victory in the 2005 presidential election. He was sworn in for his first six-year term as president on 19 November 2005. He was re-elected for a second term on 27 January 2010.

A lawyer by profession, Rajapaksa represents the Southern electorate of Hambantota. He held many portfolios including Labour and Vocational Training, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development and Minister of Port, Shipping and Fisheries.