Seminar on ‘The Right To Information Act’

Sociology Alumni Association of University of Colombo together with University of Colombo Sociology Students’ Association organized a Seminar on the Right to Information Act for students of the Faculty of Arts on the 26th of July 2017 at the Department of Sociology Auditorium, University of Colombo. Dr. Ranga Kalansooriya, Director General at the Department of Government Information in Sri Lanka and Mr. Jagath Liyana Arachchi, Director of the National Media Centre presented at this seminar. The speakers discussed on the contents of the Right to Information Act including the objective of the Act, access to information by the general public, responsibility of state institutions to publish information, and responsibility to release information. Nearly 100 participants were present at this event that included faculty members, students and alumni of the Faculty of Arts. The Head of the Department of Sociology, Prof. Premakumara de Silva, extended his support and help in organizing this event and Mr. Jagath Wellawatta, Senior Academic Advisor of the Sociology Students’ Association, offered his support to coordinate with the Sociology Students’ Association. Welcome address was delivered by the Head of the Sociology Department, Prof. Premakumara de Silva and the speakers were introduced by the President of the Sociology Alumni Association, Ms. Samitha Sugathimala. Mr. Gihan Karunathilaka, President of the Sociology Students’ Association also addressed the gathering and thanked his fellow students of the association for the support extended for the successful completion of the event. Light refreshments were offered at the end of the programme, sponsored by members of the Sociology Alumni Association. This initiative received positive feedback from all participants.