former Mimister Basil Rajapaksa said the Right to Information (RTI) Act should have been activated when his government was in power. 

During a political discussion aired on a private TV channel, Rajapaksa said it was a mistake that his government did not pursue such reforms. 

Rajapaksa is the chief idealogue of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) the party formed by the 

Rajapaksa's statement was widely commended by many both from the government and the opposition. 

"Former Min #Basil Rajapakasa admitted on Hiru TV yesterday that the #RTI Act should have been initiated when we were in power. I really appreciate his courage and the political maturity to discuss this issue openly. And, happy to get our policy clear on this matter'" former Ministry Secretary Charitha Herath tweeted.