Leader of the Sri Lanka National Congress, Minister Milinda Moragoda, emphasised the need to legislate the Freedom of Information Act in order to ensure good governance and enhance the democratic rights of the people.


Mr. Moragoda told a gathering yesterday that, if civic conscious people would take it up, and persuade the various political parties to endorse it, such legislation could be passed by the next parliament soon after the next General Elections.


He pointed out that access to information would minimise corruption and ensure transparency and good governance.


“It has done lot of good to the largest democracy in the world. India and Indian society continue to make use of this progressive legislation to enhance the efficiency of government machinery.


“India has taken practical approaches to fight bribery and corruption, relying on various processes rather than creating too many institutions” he said.


He said that transparency was a cornerstone in the fight against bribery and corruption and that the Freedom of Information Act would provide the necessary framework for such a situation.


In Sri Lanka, too, the Freedom of Information Act was drafted some time back but could not be passed through Parliament due to various unforeseen reasons, he said.


Mr. Moragoda, however, said this was an opportune moment for concerned people to come forward and present a case -- so that all political parties could include this in their respective policy statements.


“It will not only help journalists but all who seek justice and fairplay,” he said.


“Even the farmer, the milk producer, small industrialist and, above all, any interested citizen could make use of the act to obtain information which he or she thinks essential for the upkeep of society,” he said.


However, he said, it should be subject to restrictions on matters pertaining to national security and allied subjects.


He also emphasised the importance of educating rural folk on the benefits they could reap if such legislation were introduced by the next parliament.

Mr. Moragoda said that the Sri Lanka National Congress, as a political entity, recognised the need to introduce such legislation in order to create a better society.