Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Gotabaya Rajapaksa (born June 16, 1949) is a Sri Lankan politician and former Army officer who served as the President of Sri Lanka from November 2019 to July 2022. He is a member of the Rajapaksa family, a prominent political dynasty in Sri Lanka.
Political Career
- Assumed presidency in November 2019, following his victory in the presidential election.
- Served previously as Secretary to the Ministry of Defence (2005–2015) under President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
- Played a central role in the final phase of the Sri Lankan Civil War.
Economic Policy and Fertilizer Ban
Rajapaksa’s presidency was marked by controversial economic decisions, most notably the abrupt transition to organic farming.
- Chemical Fertilizer Ban: In April 2021, Rajapaksa enforced a nationwide ban on the import of chemical fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides Sri Lanka’s Abrupt Fertilizer Ban: Policy Intent, Execution Failures, and Agricultural Crisis.
- Policy Intent: The move was intended to reduce foreign exchange expenditure on imports and transition Sri Lanka into the first fully organic country.
- Execution Failures: The ban was implemented swiftly without adequate transitional support or scientific consultation, leading to immediate supply chain disruptions.
- Agricultural Crisis: The policy resulted in a severe drop in key crop yields (particularly tea, rice, and rubber), exacerbating food insecurity and contributing significantly to Sri Lanka’s broader economic crisis that culminated in the 2022 protests.
Departure from Office
- Resigned as president on July 13, 2022, amid widespread civil unrest driven by economic collapse, fuel shortages, and political instability.
- Fled the country shortly after resignation and faced various legal charges upon subsequent return efforts.