The Right to Information Act will come into effect from 4th of February next year. 

It has been passed in the parliament already. According to the Act, the establishment code and functions of several public institutions including the National Archives will have to be amended. 

Deputy Minister of parliamentary reforms and mass media Karunaratne Paranavithana says they should take place before the Act is implemented. 

The deputy minister made this disclosure while attending a workshop held in Colombo yesterday to enlighten public servants on right to information act. 

It had been organized by the Sri Lanka Development administration institute. The deputy minister further pointed out that the government has safeguarded the peoples' right to information through this Act. 

The public have the right to know the information regarding public institutes maintained from their money. It was recognized in developed countries around the world many years ago. Sri Lanka's neighbour India has also recognized this right. 

However, the deputy minister noted there are several fields that should remain as classified.Information regarding national security and criminal investigation are among them.

The commission is to be appointed to implement the right to information act. Head of an institution will be the officer in charge to provide information. A disciplinary officer will also be appointed for this purpose. 

Officials are now being enlightened regarding the Act.