Analysis of Draft Sri Lankan Freedom of Information Act

The Centre for Law and Democracy has published its analysis of a draft Sri Lankan Freedom of Information Act. The draft Act was prepared by United National Party Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya, an opposition Member of Parliament. Mr Jayasuriya has been trying for some time, so far without success, to have this Bill introduced into Parliament. Although the draft Act is unlikely to move forward, it has generated important debate in Sri Lanka about this key human rights issue and will be discussed at a National Seminar on the right to information to be held on 18 November 2011.

[This contribution has been shared on Asia-Pacific-INTACT network by Toby Mendel, Executive Director, Centre for Law and Democracy, and Charmaine Rodrigues, Regional Democratic Institutions and Accountability Specialist, UNDP Pacific Centre]