Sunday
Leader: Sri Lanka: Sunday, June 19, 2016.
Since it is
unclear what type of economic data that the phrase ‘severe harm to Sri Lanka’s
economy’ really means, this has to be discussed to determine whether it could
limit even the economic data thus far released by the Treasury and the Central
Bank of Sri Lanka, point out analysts while stating that some could argue that
certain data released even now may cause severe harm to the country’s
economy.)Minister of Labour and Trade Union Affairs, John Seneviratne says that
with the forthcoming Right to Information Bill, to be tabled in parliament next
week, things could be transparent. Everyone would enjoy the freedom of
expression with this bill. “‘So where there is act of nepotism –promoting one’s
kith and kin, own people, act of corruption and probes could be dealt without
hindrance and crimes committed would be easily exposed,” he stressed.
Excerpts
of the brief interview:
Q: The
Right to Information Bill is to be tabled in Parliament next week how do you
see this bill?
A: Public have the right to know about the
problems. Earlier it was the public sector that dominated. In certain fields
government enjoyed the monopoly. But the forthcoming Right to Information Act
might create a problem to the government sector. Government sector may be
undermined by the private sector. People are all out to sabotage the
government. Government must be cautious that with getting disadvantage.
Necessary action always must be taken in to consideration.
Q: Are you
happy with the recommendations of the Supreme Court to this Bill?
A: This Bill includes certain provisions through
which these institutions could refuse to reveal any data which if revealed
would cause serious harm to Sri Lanka’s economy, cause harm to any commercial
interests of an individual or to refuse divulging certain information which may
expose trade secrets. Since it is unclear what type of economic data that the
phrase ‘severe harm to Sri Lanka’s economy’ really means, this has to be
discussed to determine whether it could limit even the economic data thus far
released by the Treasury and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, point out analysts
while stating that some could argue that certain data released even now may
cause severe harm to the country’s economy.
Though data
on the depleting foreign reserves, the widening trade deficit, moves like
printing currency etc. have been so far released, in future one could later
argue that these could cause severe harm to the country’s economy.
Q: In your
opinion how important is this bill?
A: Things
could be transparent with this bill. So where there is act of nepotism
–promoting one’s kith and kin, own people, act of corruption and probes could
be dealt without hindrance,and crimes committed would be easily exposed.
Since there
are risks of a situation being created where important economic data that the
country has to be aware of being limited through the proposed Right to
Information Act, sharp attention has to be drawn towards this issue, as pointed
by analysts.
Cabinet
approval has been granted to the draft Right to Information Act to tabled in
Parliament as an urgent bill. This was discussed with all parties in
parliament.As analysts warn, it is important to examine whether the less
transparent Treasury as well as the Central Bank of Sri Lanka which has so far
efficiently released economic data, could limit the releasing of economic data
by utilizing the provisions of this proposed bill.
This is due
to this proposed bill containing certain provisions through which these
institutions could limit the release of economic data.
Q: Are you
happy with the government economic policies?
A: Like one of my cabinet colleague said economy
would be alright with the Ports City Project coming in. What we need is
investment and investors. Start more ventures, with more projects money would
come.
Q: Why the
Right to Information Bill was taken up by the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP)?
A: As agreed by the SLFP, the then government
rejected that the Bill as it would undermine intention of the government and
would give room for sabotages. Now
people know what is happening, everybody is monitoring it.
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