Freedom of Information Act for good governance

Dulshani GUNAWARDENA

Sri Lanka National Congress leader Minister Milinda Moragoda emphasized the need to legislate the Freedom of Information Act in a bid to ensure good governance while enhancing the democratic rights of the people.

Addressing a gathering last Monday, the Minister noted that every civic conscious citizen bore a responsibility in persuading political parties to endorse the aforesaid Act. If immediate action would be taken, this Act would soon be passed in Parliament following the General Election. The Minister pointed out that access to information would minimize corruption and ensure transparency. He noted that transparency is a cornerstone in the fight against bribery and corruption and the Freedom of Information Act would provide the necessary framework to create such a situation. "It will not only help journalists but also all those who seek justice and fairplay," he said

However he said it should be subjected to restrictions on matters relating to National Security and other related information.

The Minister cited the example of India, the largest democracy in the world, which has led to an increasingly efficient mechanism against bribery and corruption.