A Candid Conversation on Legacy, Leadership, and the Future of Sri Lanka
SL Speaks Media Network sat down with Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, National Organizer of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), for an unfiltered interview exploring his views on war heroes, corruption, youth politics, foreign policy, and the digital economy. What followed was one of the most introspective and reform-driven conversations by a key figure from one of the country’s most influential political families.
🧑⚖️ Background: Who is Namal Rajapaksa?
Lakshman Namal Rajapaksa was born on April 10, 1986, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. He is the eldest son of Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka’s two-time President and Prime Minister. Educated at Thurstan College, Colombo, and later at City University, London, Namal became an Attorney-at-Law. His passion for sports led him to captain Sri Lanka’s national rugby team and later serve as the country’s Minister of Sports.
At just 24, Namal entered Parliament, representing Hambantota District under the banner of the SLPP. He has held various cabinet portfolios, including Youth Affairs, Sports, and Digital Technology & Enterprise Development, aligning himself with innovation, digital transformation, and private-sector engagement.
Once seen as a political prince living in the shadows of his family legacy, Namal is now increasingly being recognized as an independent thinker and reformist, seeking to redefine his role in a rapidly changing Sri Lanka.
🔟 10 Key Takeaways from the Interview
1. Maturity Through Experience
Namal admitted to youthful mistakes—controversial statements, lifestyle choices, and political naïveté—but emphasized that fatherhood, political failures, and personal reflection have transformed him. He credits his wife for helping him stay grounded and mature.
2. Respecting War Heroes
He strongly rejected recent statements that the LTTE “fought for peace,” calling such remarks historical revisionism. Namal defended the military’s role in ending terrorism and called for greater national respect for the armed forces and the sacrifices they made.
3. On Dynastic Politics
Responding to accusations of nepotism, he compared political families in Sri Lanka to those in India and the U.S., asserting that the voters ultimately decide. He said future generations must prove themselves, regardless of family name.
4. Cultural Foundations
Namal criticized the current government’s alleged detachment from Sri Lanka’s Buddhist and cultural roots. He believes national identity must be protected and that modernization should not come at the expense of cultural erasure.
5. Opposition Leadership
He refrained from directly attacking Sajith Premadasa but implied that true leadership emerges from grassroots engagement, not just parliamentary numbers. He emphasized building a movement rooted in community trust.
6. Tackling Corruption Systemically
Rather than denying past corruption allegations against his family, Namal proposed a technology-first approach to governance—including digitized procurement, automated decision-making, and system reform to eliminate the scope for bribery.
7. Personal Growth & Public Perception
He acknowledged that he was once viewed as privileged and entitled, but now works hard to earn public trust through action, not just words. He encouraged young politicians to learn from mistakes and grow publicly and privately.
8. Vision for the Digital Economy
Namal strongly supports cryptocurrency, blockchain, creator platforms, and freelancing. He opposed the 15% tax on digital creators and said Sri Lanka must become a hub for digital talent. He advocated for opening payment gateways and attracting global tech entrepreneurs.
9. Foreign Policy: Non-Aligned, Pragmatic
He pushed back on claims that the Rajapaksas were pro-China, explaining that infrastructure deals were first offered to India. Namal calls for a non-aligned, investment-driven foreign policy—prioritizing Sri Lanka’s economic needs over geopolitical rivalries.
10. Rapid-Fire Thoughts on Key Figures
- Ranil Wickremesinghe – “Capable”
- Gotabaya Rajapaksa – “Direct and honest”
- Mahinda Rajapaksa – “A cultural icon”
- Dilith Jayaweera – “Good marketeer”
- Anura Kumara Dissanayake – “Strong orator”
- Maithripala Sirisena – “Capable”
🧩 Final Thoughts: A Leader in Transition
The Namal Rajapaksa who appeared in this interview was far from the brash young MP of a decade ago. Thoughtful, policy-driven, and candid, he reflected both humility and ambition. While his family name still evokes controversy, Namal seems determined to forge his own path—one rooted in digital innovation, national dignity, and systemic reform.
Whether the public sees this as genuine transformation or strategic repositioning remains to be seen. But one thing is clear—Namal Rajapaksa is no longer just the President’s son. He is now a political brand of his own making.
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