Sri Lanka’s Right to Information Act comes into force

Feb 03, 2017 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Right to Information (RTI) Act comes into effect today bringing with it a promise of open government, citizens’ active participation in governance, and accountability to the people of the country.

The Ministry of Mass Media and Parliamentary Reform said that it has been laying the groundwork of RTI, with trainings for public officials and appointments of the key information officers and designated officers.

The ministry said they are working closely with the RTI Commission, which is vested with wide powers under the Act, such as to hear appeals, institute action against alleged offenders, and prescribe guidelines on record management and proactive disclosure.

In spite of these developments, Transparency International Sri Lanka says the people remain largely uninformed of the right they now enjoy, and of how it may be used.

“The responsibility cast on the people with this right – to truly take ownership of it and use it as a tool in their day-to-day lives – is also overlooked,” the organization said.