Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa turns 76 today

He is the fifth Executive President of Sri Lanka and the Leader of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).

He was born on November 18, 1945, at Weeraketiya in Tangalle. In his political career spanning over 50 years, he twice held the office of Opposition Leader, served the country as Prime Minister for four terms, and led the nation as the President for two terms.

Rajapaksa, a lawyer by profession, first entered Parliament in 1970 and was the youngest MP at that time.