His father, D. A. Rajapaksa, was a prominent politician, independence agitator, member of parliament and Minister of Agriculture and Land in Wijeyananda Dahanayake's government.

[3] Shashindra Rajapaksa (eldest son of Rajapaksa) is the former chief Minister of Uva Provincial Council and former Basnayaka Nilame (Lay Custodian) of the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama devalaya.

As a student, he was an athlete and played soccer for the school, in addition to being an academic high achiever.

[5] Following his schooling, he joined the Ceylon Police Force as a Sub-inspector and served for eight years.

Has been a member of parliament continuously since 1989, retaining his seat in all elections held to date.