Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa brother Chandra Rajapaksa has passed away following a brief illness. 

Chandra Rajapaksa, 70 at the time of his death, passed away in Tangalle, family sources said. 

He is also the brother of former Speaker Chaml Rajapaksa, former Minister Basil Rajapaksa and former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. 

Chandra Rajapaksa served as the Private Secretary to the Minister of Highways and Ports under the previous administration. 

The ministry however held by his brother, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.