Archives

An opening for transparency

There was some welcome news for Sri Lanka's media when Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe underscored the intention of the Government to bring in a tranche of laws to strengthen media freedom and thereby enhance the democratic rights of the people. For, the vibrancy of a democracy is gauged, among other things, by how free and responsible a country's media are. Freedom of the press, for instance, is a function of the freedom of expression.

However, the challenge today is to balance media freedom with media responsibility and some of the observations made by the Premier in the course of his address to the opening session of the Commonwealth Press Union's biennial conference, need to be reflected on closely.

We are glad that the Prime Minister drew the all-important link between a dynamic and responsible press, for instance, and the public interest. It is the latter which gives meaning to the exertions of the media and it was timely that this connection was highlighted. Minus the public interest, media operations become a barren exercise, promotive of mainly vested interests.

Besides the Press Complaints Commission, the proposed Freedom of Information Act and the Citizens' Charter Law, in particular, would have the potential to promote the public interest in an unprecedented manner. Very often it is the average citizen's inability to access relevant information, particularly in the public sector, which stands in the way of him being better informed and knowledgeable about matters which affect him very closely.

As the Premier observed, the passing of the Freedom of Information Act wouldn't mean that the "public will descend in droves to scrutinize the work of Government." However, a responsible press would use this piece of legislation to keep the State under scrutiny and to disclose to the public vital information that touches on their interests. This would enable the public, in turn, to bring to the notice of Government any of their needs that require addressing. Thus, democratic processes are invigorated and kept ticking.

The same goes for the Citizens' Charter Law. As was explained, this piece of legislation would set out the standards on which the public would be treated by the Government. Sensitivity to public needs - it goes without saying - has never been a strong point of most post-independence governments in this country. Very often, public trust in government has been betrayed rather than strengthened. An informed public is likely to use this Charter to not only advance its legitimate interests but to also disclose to the media how genuinely governments are adhering to the terms of the Charter. Such exposure could have the effect of sentisizing the Government to public needs.

The Fiscal Responsibility Bill and the proposed Election Manifesto Law could have the same effect of promoting transparency and good governance, if fully utilized by the public and the media. While the former law would have the effect of opening to public scrutiny the manner in which public funds are used by government institutions and ministries, the latter would enable the voter to make an informed choice at election time. Right now, of course, most often than not, political parties sway voter preferences by making the most extravagant of promises - most of which are never honoured.

The Election Manifesto Law, however, would require political parties to provide to the public the costs of their proposed programs. This would help the voter in the task of making judicious and realistic decisions at voting time.

Thus, a range of laws with the public interest in mind is being put into shape. However, it is honest governance, coupled with an active public and a vibrant media, which would help realize the potential of these laws.

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager