Now, easy access to all Govt transactions - Media Minister

by S.K. Samaranayake and Asela Karuluwansa

Pic: Sunil Gunawardena, Kundasala Gr. Cor.

The historic Right to Information Act would be presented in Parliament soon. This will empower the people to have access to all government transactions, said Mass Media Minister and Chief Government Whip Gayantha Karunatilleke before the Asgiri and Malwatu chief prelates yesterday.

Minister Karunatilleke paid homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic during his visit to the Dalada Maligawa, Kandy.

The Minister said, "We have created a conducive environment for all media personnel to work independently without fear of persecution.

No more killings or abductions and breaking limbs."Media people left the country for fear of life. Committees would be appointed to probe into corruption and malpractices in government departments. The State Media divorced completely from the people in the past.

A committee of 15 members has been appointed to draft the Right to Information Act and those from Media Organisations too could make representations, he said. Malpractice and corrupt deals in tender award, kick backs, pay off and other financial irregularities could be accessed by the public with the passage of this advanced legislation".

Minister Karunatilleke said that the government is fully committed to ensure media freedom in the country.