Public push for Right to Information

Wednesday, 3 December 2014 00:07 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Coalition Citizens for Right to Information on Monday announced plans to campaign for the legalisation of the Right to Information (RTI).

Front row from left: Rights Now Organization Executive Director Sudarshana Gunawardane, Free Media Movement Convenor Sunil Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law S.G. Punchihewa, Transparency International Executive Director S. Ranugge, Prof. Jayantha Senevirathne. Back row from left: Mohan Hettiarachchi, PAFFREL Representative Sujeewa, South Asian Free Media Association Chairman Lakshman Gunasekara - Pic by Shehan Gunasekara It said Sri Lanka is the only country in the South Asian region that is yet to legalise the Right to Information. RTI is an essential tool for the existence of a sound democratic system in a country and is an essential requirement in the current socio-political context in Sri Lanka. During the past few years many organisations and individuals have been playing an active role in creating awareness on the Right to Information and have renewed their efforts in advocating a law that guarantees this right. In this context a coalition was established by civil society organisations, media activist, artists and professionals to promote the right to information.