The UNP was more democratic than the SLFP, since it has given the power of electing its leaders to a wider section of the party, Parliamentarian Lakshman Kiriella said yesterday.

He told The Island that the party reforms, which include elections to choose the Chairman, Leader, Deputy Leader, Assistant Leader and National Organiser, were approved on Monday by both the Working Committee and the UNP parliamentary group, which comprised a total of 150 members.

The UNP has entrusted the power of electing its leader and key office bearers to the party as a whole, unlike the SLFP Central Committee which was essentially centralised, Kiriella said.

"In terms of the reforms, which are to be adopted at the National Convention due to be held next month, the Working Committee would comprise persons selected from among all sections of the party, including Parliamentarians, Provincial Councillors, Local Government members, trade unionists, the women’s wing, youth wing and members representing all professional groups," he said.

Kiriella, who was a member of the UNP Reforms Committee headed by Joseph Michael Perera, said that their recommendations had been accepted by the vast majority of members in the Working Committee and Parliamentary Group. "Even many of those who, at one stage, wanted some amendments to our report, approved it because they realised that it was the best way forward in the interest of the party."

Leader of the UNP Ranil Wickremesinghe said that with the Reforms Committee Report being approved by the Working Committee, the UNP had laid the foundation to defeat the corrupt and dictatorial Mahinda Rajapaksa regime.

"Our party is at an historic stage. The enactment of a new constitution will strengthen the UNP and propel it to victory at the next election," he said.