Government News Portal: Sri Lanka: Saturday,
February 18, 2017.
President
Maithripala Sirisena said that he is very happy that RTI became a reality
during his tenure and said that this will greatly help to maintain accuracy and
accountability.
He made these
comments today (17Th Feb) at the official ceremony granting the Right to
Information to the public. President said that RTI is all about transparency
and we passed the RTI act as we want every act of the government to be
transparent and accurate.
Minister of
Parliamentary reforms and Mass Media Gayantha Karunathilaka said that the
discussion about RTI was first started by late Minister Dharmasiri Senanayaka.
Minister said that rather than criticizing the RTI act it would be better if
shortcomings can be shown to strengthen the act.
Deputy
Minister of Parliamentary Reforms and Mass Media Karunarathna Paranavithana
requested people not to spread wrong ideas about RTI but use it for the
betterment of the people.
Director
General Department of Government Information Dr.Ranga Kalansooriya said that we
need proactive disclosure of information and added that they are planning to
select the best website and award prizes.
The public
can audit the officers of the state with the RTI. The hand book for information
officers will be issued end of March said the Advisor to the Minister on the
RTI act PiyatissaRanasinghe.