RTI bill needs two thirds majority - SC
May 3, 2016 01:46 pm
The Supreme Court has apprised the Parliament some sections of the Right to Information bill are not consistent with the constitution thus it needs a two third majority, the Speaker announced today.
The observation was made when this was discussed at today’s Parliament section, Ada Derana reporter said.
The Speaker has also said it required a two third majority in the Parliament to pass the bill.
The Right to Information draft bill was presented to Parliament by Minister of Parliamentary Reforms and Mass Media Gayantha Karunathilaka on March 24.
The bill had received positive responses from all nine provinces to go ahead. In terms of Article 153 (g) of the Constitution the Right to Information Bill was submitted to Provincial Councils for views which has been responded positively.
The bill provides for the specific grounds on which access may be denied, the establishment of the right to Information Commission, setting out the procedures for obtaining information and for matters connected.
The introduction of the Right to Information Act was a key pledge in the 100-day work programme of the government.
