The Island.lk: Sri Lanka: Tuesday, 11 March 2025.
Former Speaker Karu
Jayasuriya, in his capacity as the leader of the National Movement for Social
Justice (NMSJ), has called for the reactivation of the Right to Information
Commission. Jayasuriya said that the existing vacancies in the Commission
should be filled without further delay.
The following is the text of a statement issued by the NMSJ leader: “The public’s right to access information vital to the nation’s well-being and the protection of citizens’ rights was once considered an anti-government act by certain rulers. Due to the hostile stance of some leaders, those who advocated for transparency faced several challenges. A key example is the 14-year delay in enacting the RTI Bill, first introduced as a private member’s motion in 2002, which finally became law in 2016.
Despite these obstacles, the RTI Act No. 12 of 2016 and the RTI Commission have played a significant role in curbing corruption, reducing waste, and addressing various irregularities in the country. It is no secret that the Commission’s efforts have significantly contributed to the information being uncovered through Parliamentary committee investigations.
Given its importance, all parties committed to the nation’s progress must act swiftly to strengthen the RTI Commission, which was established after a long and hard-fought struggle. We, the NMSJ, urge President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and all relevant stakeholders to give this matter their immediate attention.”
The following is the text of a statement issued by the NMSJ leader: “The public’s right to access information vital to the nation’s well-being and the protection of citizens’ rights was once considered an anti-government act by certain rulers. Due to the hostile stance of some leaders, those who advocated for transparency faced several challenges. A key example is the 14-year delay in enacting the RTI Bill, first introduced as a private member’s motion in 2002, which finally became law in 2016.
Despite these obstacles, the RTI Act No. 12 of 2016 and the RTI Commission have played a significant role in curbing corruption, reducing waste, and addressing various irregularities in the country. It is no secret that the Commission’s efforts have significantly contributed to the information being uncovered through Parliamentary committee investigations.
Given its importance, all parties committed to the nation’s progress must act swiftly to strengthen the RTI Commission, which was established after a long and hard-fought struggle. We, the NMSJ, urge President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and all relevant stakeholders to give this matter their immediate attention.”
.JPG)
.JPG)
