President turns 61 today
[Saturday, November 18, 2006 - 3.15 GMT]

President Mahinda Rajapaksa turned 61 today. The President visited the Dalada Maligawa in Kandy to mark his birthday.

Born in Weeraketiya in the deep south, November 18, 1945, Rajapaksa schooled at Richmond College, Galle, later shifting to Nalanda College and Thurstan College Colombo. In 1974 he passed out as an Attorney-at-Law from the Colombo Law College and took his place at the bar, with a special interest in human rights.

The President's father D A Rajapaksa was a well-known public figure. Many have remarked on his integrity, courage and perseverance with which he carried out his duties. He succeeded his brother in the Hambantota district in the second State Council of Ceylon.

In March 2002 Rajapaksa was elected Leader of the Opposition and was appointed as the country's 13th Prime Minister April 6, 2004.

He was sworn in as the fifth Executive President of Sri Lanka November 19, 2005, after being elected President with a majority that endorsed his manifesto in a closely contested and peaceful election.

President Rajapaksa is married to Shiranthi Rajapaksa and has three sons.

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Last Updated Date: November 18, 2006 -3.15 GMT