Freedom of Information Act No. 19 of 2004.

This Act aims at giving maximum effect to the right to receive and to disseminate information and ideas without interference in respect of information held by public authorities, and enhancing good governance through knowledge, transparency and accountability. This Act applies to the exclusion of the provisions of any other law that prohibits or restricts the disclosure of a record by a public authority to the extent that such provision is inconsistent with this Act. Furthermore, this Act lays down provisions on (I) measures to promote openness, such as designation of information officers, publication of basic information, maintenance of records; (II) right of access to information, including access procedures, requests for information and the conditions for its approval or refusal, means of communicating the information; (III) exceptions to general right of access, such as disclosure of personal, legal privileged, commercial or confidential information or an information that would endanger the life, health or safety of any person or would harm public economic interests; (IV) appointment, functions and independence of Information Commissioner; (V) enforcement by Commissioner, including complaints to the Commissioner and his/her decision within 30 days, Commissioner's powers to investigate; (VI) bona fide disclosure of wrongdoing, including protection of whistle-blowers; and (VI) offences and penalties. The Minister may, after consultation with the Commissioner, make Regulations for the purpose of giving effect to the provisions of this Act.