• I won’t say elections should be scrapped but only suggest that an approach similar to the Margaret Thatcher administration in UK be implemented
• We should make the media and civil society strong
• Sri Lanka also should follow strategic thinking like Prime Minister Oshida who led Japan after the Second World war
• Mr. Oshida focused on foreign direct investment

By Yohan Perera   

A common national programme based on elected dictatorship , five pillar democratic structure and strategic thinking is what Sri Lanka needs today to overcome the current economic and social crisis, Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa said over the weekend.   

Premadasa who was speaking during a discussion on ‘middle ground’ in Colombo said the country needs an elected dictatorship which goes beyond elections. “ I won’t say elections should be scrapped but only suggesting an approach similar to the Margaret Thatcher administration in UK. Ms.Thatcher was called ‘Iron Lady’ as she did what she had to do without fear,” Premadasa said.    “ We should make the media and civil society strong and turn them into fourth and fifth pillars in democracy. It is also important to have checks and balances on Executive, legislature , judiciary and other two pillars,” he added.   “ Sri Lanka also should follow strategic thinking like Prime Minister Oshida who led Japan after the Second World war. He abolished the military through the constitution and only established a self defence force. Prime Minister Oshida signed a Defence treaty with USA under which the latter was legally bound to safeguard Japan. Then Mr. Oshida focused on foreign direct investment through establishing a ministry of trade and investment. This ministry was given the power to deal with international community and to build up economic ties. I am not saying that we should do the same things which Mr. Oshida did but should adopt strategic thinking just like him,” he said.