Political parties to propose amendments to RTI Bill

by Manjula Fernando

Political parties will be permitted to propose amendments to the Right to Information Bill when it is presented in Parliament for the second reading debate, during the sessions starting from June 21, a Media Ministry spokesperson said.At the last Cabinet Press Briefing Media Minister Gayantha Karunatilleke said the Amended Bill was ready to be presented for the second reading in parliament.

The historic RTI Bill which provided for the setting up of a Right to Information Commission and the appointment of Information Officers to all government institutions to uphold the people's right to know, is said to be one of the strongest laws proposed.

It was first presented in Parliament on March 24. Later the Bill was referred to the Supreme Court to check for consistency with the constitution.

The SC ruled a few minor amendments saying, if the amendments were not taken up in the Bill needed two thirds majority and a referendum for the provisions therein to become law. Earlier, the proposed laws received official endorsement from all nine provincial councils.