Right to Information Bill rejected

The Right to Information Bill that was presented to the Parliament yesterday by the co-deputy leader of the main opposition United National Party (UNP) and parliamentarian Karu Jayasuriya was rejected.

The Bill presented by Jayasuriya was defeated by a majority of 63 votes.

The Bill received 34 votes in favour with the votes cast by UNP, JVP and TNA members. However, 97, votes were cast against the Bill.

The Bill was presented for the second time today, as it was earlier withdrawn by Jayasuriya on a request made by the government with a pledge that it would present a Right to Information Act shortly.

However, due to the government’s failure to present such a piece of legislation, Jayasuriya re-presented the Bill as a private member’s bill to the House with permission from the Speaker.