Right to Information Act, No. 12 of 2016 1 [Certified on 04th August, 2016] L.D.—O. 4/2015 AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE RIGHT OF ACCESS TO INFORMATION; TO SPECIFY GROUNDS ON WHICH ACCESS MAY BE DENIED; TO ESTABLISH THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION COMMISSION; TO APPOINT INFORMATION OFFICERS; TO SET OUT THE PROCEDURE AND FOR MATTERS CONNECTED THEREWITH OR INCIDENTAL THERETO. WHEREAS the Constitution guarantees the right of access to information in Article 14A thereof and there exists a need to foster a culture of transparency and accountability in public authorities by giving effect to the right of access to information and thereby promote a society in which the people of Sri Lanka would be able to more fully participate in public life through combating corruption and promoting accountability and good governance. Preamble. BE it therefore enacted by the Parliament of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka as follows:1. (1) This Act may be cited as the Right to Information Act, No. 12 of 2016. (2) The provisions of this section, Part IV, sections 23, 36, 40, 41, 42, 43 and 44 shall come into operation on the date on which the certificate is endorsed in respect of this Act in terms of Article 79 of the Constitution. (3) The provisions of all other sections of this Act, shall come into operation in respect of such public authorities or categories of public authorities and on such dates as may be prescribed by the Minister by Order published in the Gazette: Provided however, that the dates so prescribed shall be at least six months after the certification referred to in subsection (2) above, and that all provisions of this Act shall be applicable to all public authorities no later than one year of such certification. 2—PL 009845—3,161 (03/2016) Short title and date of operation.