Provinces approve Right to Information Bill

The much-delayed Right to Information Bill has passed another landmark by receiving positive responses from all nine provinces to go ahead. 

In terms of Article 153 (g) of the Constitution, the Right to Information Bill was submitted to Provincial Councils for views to which response has been positive, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya yesterday informed Parliament.

“Western, North Western, Central, Southern, Eastern, and Uva Provinces have agreed with the contents of this Bill. The three provinces Sabaragamuwa, North Central, and Northern Province have agreed subject to amendments,” said Speaker. 

Cabinet Approval for the draft bill was granted on 2nd December 2015 and it was sent for discussion at the provincial level. The Right to Information Bill provides for the establishment of the right to Information Commission, the specific grounds on which access may be denied, the setting of procedures for obtaining information and for matters connected. 

The government during the 19th Amendment to the Constitution recognised the Right to Information as a fundamental right and the introduction of the Right to Information Act was a key pledge in the 100-day work program of the government.