SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTS OF RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT ON THE STATE TRANSPARENCY AND DEVELOP DEMOCRACY (SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SRI LANKA)

Abstract

Right to information is a very significant human right which recognized internationally since the world human right movement begins with the end of the Second World War.. According to the quotation of public right to know emphasize the importance of information stating “Information is the oxygen of democracy.. Democracy is the information. Transparency and the right to information are the two main conditions in 17 and 18 centauries. To fill the gaps and implement new policies; the freedom of access to information is needed. Right to information act is empowering the citizen and it focuses the development of public sphere against the corruption The main aim of this research is to identify how this right to information act affects for the development of democracy in Sri Lanka. To collect the data apply interviews, Questionnaire & Observation. Research sample it represents 100 people who live in both rural and urbanely areas of the country. It was gain by Hambanthota, Anuradhapura and Gampaha districts .Right to access information is a Key mechanism for ensuring transparency and is a proven anti–corruption tool. The harmful effects of corruption are specially serve on the poor, who are hardest hit by economic decline, most dependent on the provision of public service, and at least capable of paying the extra costs associated with bribery, fraud, and the misappropriation of economic privileges. In this context the right to access information has proven to be an effective antidote to Corruption, equipping parliamentarians, anti–corruption bodies and the public with a tool to break down the walls of Secrecy that shield Corrupt officials. The right to access information also serves as an important deterrent; the Knowledge that a decision may be open to review by the public at a later stage can discourage decision–maker from acting dishonestly.