Strengthen the Right to Information Commission to Safeguard Governance: Karu Jayasuriya

13-Apr-2026

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Leader of the National Movement for Social Justice and former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya has urged the Government to take immediate steps to eliminate existing gaps in the Right to Information (RTI) Commission and fill vacant positions in order to protect and strengthen transparent governance.

His remarks come amid growing concerns expressed by various groups regarding the weakening of the RTI Commission in recent times. In a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Jayasuriya stated that if there is one law capable of making democracy broader and more meaningful by ensuring the people’s right to access information, it is the Right to Information Act.

He noted that the Act was introduced through the efforts of committed journalists, informed citizens, and civil society activists, and has strengthened public demands for accountability and anti-corruption measures.

He stressed that after nearly a decade of benefiting from the law, Sri Lanka must not allow it to become weakened. He reiterated that the Government must urgently act to address vacancies and deficiencies within the RTI Commission in order to preserve transparency in governance.