TISL Warns Anti-Corruption Bill Poses Threat To RTI
Transparency International Sri Lanka acknowledges the proposed Anti-Corruption Bill’s progressive steps, such as recognizing sexual favors as bribery and requiring asset declarations from the President. These measures represent a significant shift toward greater accountability and modernize the legal framework for tackling private sector and sporting corruption. However, the legislation poses a critical threat to the Right to Information Act by prioritizing secrecy over transparency. By mandating oaths of secrecy for officials and restricting information disclosure without special permission, the bill risks creating a culture of opacity that directly contradicts its stated goal of enhancing governance transparency. This undermines the public’s fundamental right to access information held by anti-corruption bodies. Furthermore, provisions regarding false allegations could deter whistleblowers, especially in a politically sensitive environment where civic space may be constrained. The article highlights that legal texts alone cannot eradicate systemic corruption; success depends on political will, cultural shifts, and safe reporting mechanisms. This case is vital for the open data community, as it illustrates how legislative secrecy clauses can actively obstruct the flow of public information, demonstrating that true accountability requires robust access-to-information protections alongside anti-corruption statutes.
Source: menafn.comPublished on 2023-04-12