The Right to Information (RTI) Act will be implemented from 4 February 2017, Deputy Minister, Karunarathna Paranawithana said at yesterday's Cabinet press briefing. He added that information officers are currently being trained and after they are stationed in government institutions, the general public will be able to access important information that affects their daily lives.

Earlier, Director General of the Government Information Department, Ranga Kalansooriya told media that the government would attempt to provide as much information as possible for the public.

"We try to get as much information as possible because the alternative is giving space for rumours, which is much more dangerous. And there are times when we have to change the story because of new evidence that is uncovered. But at the end of the day someone should be responsible," he said.

The RTI Act was passed earlier this year and the government said that it will establish a special office to disseminate information on the Right to Information Act (RTIA) in Battaramulla.