• Says he is humble at times but will not hesitate to  take tough decisions whenever the need arises

By Yohan Perera    

Whilst stressing that he does not intend to use his late  father’s image as a cover when going on his political journey, Leader of  Opposition Sajith Premadasa yesterday said he does follow Late  Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew’s son Lee Hsien Loong who became the  premier through his own ability.      

Mr. Premadasa came up with this remark at a forum organised  by United Century Front (UCF) where youth were given the opportunity to  ask questions from him.     

“My father, late President Ranasinghe Premadasa forbade me  to take up politics. I would not have been in politics had my father been  alive today. There was a person who tried to bring me into politics  when my father was alive. That person lost the membership of UNP during  that time. I don’t intend to merely depend on my father when going along  my political journey. However, I follow Lee Hsien Loong, the son of late  Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. Mr. Loon was never a fool. He  became the Prime Minister of Singapore through his own effort,” Mr.  Premadasa said.     

“My family members have the right to support me and ensure  my success. This is where I draw the line. My family members could  support me but they are not going to inherit my party,” he added.     

Mr. Premadasa said the criticism which is made against him  is that he is too humble. “I am humble at times but will not hesitate to  take tough decisions whenever the need arises,” he said in this regard.      

Also, Mr. Premadasa pledged to make changes in the power and  energy, education and transportation sector. 
“Our power and energy  policy is a renewable energy-based one, We will focus on wind power,  solar power and even hydropower. We also intend to develop a public  transportation system through private-public partnerships,” he said.