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Badulla public show keen interest on RTI

The enthusiasm and interest shown by the public in Badulla to learn more of Right to Information was overwhelming at the TISL’s outreach programme Sambhashana held in Badulla recently. This was the second time a Sambhashana discussion was held outside Colombo and was a huge success with over 150 participants including religious leaders, CBO leaders taking part in the programme.

The participants were told why RTI is Important in Sri Lanka. Addressing them ‘ Ravaya’ editor K.W.Janaranjana described information as the oxygen of democracy. “If people do not know what is happening in society, if the actions of those who rule them are hidden, then they cannot take a meaningful part in the affairs of the society”, he said.

Pointing out that Information about the government is essential for citizens to make informed choices in elections. “Access to information is key for responsive democracy. Political leaders are more likely to act in accordance with the wishes of the electorate if they know that their actions can be constantly scrutinized by citizens” he added. “There can be no democratic participation in decision-making without transparency and sharing information”

Author and political analyst Gamini Viyangoda pointed out that the right to information is recognised as a fundamental human right by a number of international and national human rights institutions. “The right to information can be used as a tool to build informed opinion, which is necessary to exercise the right to freedom of expression. Further, it can be used to find out about one’s entitlements and to expose the fraudulent distribution of food grains and such basic necessities, ” he said.

Although the Constitution guarantees to every person the freedom of thought, conscience and religion including the freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice and it guarantees to every citizen the freedom of speech and expression including publication he explained that the public do not exercise the rights they have.

Jagath Liyanarachchi, manager of the legal arm of TISL shared the information about countries where RTI laws have been enacted and the attempts made in Sri Lanka to introduce a bill in Parliament.

TOISL Executive Director, S. Ranugge welcomed the participant and explained TISL’s willingness and its proposed campaign to enact RTI law in Sri Lanka. The discussion was moderated by Shan Wijethunge.

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