The Right to Information Commission of Sri Lanka (RTIC) has expressed serious concern over chronic understaffing, delays in recruitment, and recent media misreporting that it says undermines its quasi-judicial functions.
In a public statement issued on 20 November, the RTIC noted that Sri Lanka is approaching the 10-year anniversary of the RTI Act No. 12 of 2016 globally ranked among the strongest transparency laws and highlighted the significant role it has played in enabling thousands of citizens to access information. The Commission referenced international recognition from UNESCO, the World Bank and the IMF for Sri Lanka’s progress in strengthening transparency.
Despite these gains, the RTIC said successive governments have failed to uphold statutory safeguards that ensure its functional and financial independence. The Commission revealed it continues to operate without a dedicated fund and with only a minimal cadre one legal officer and a few assistants despite a growing caseload.
Requests for additional staff and essential midlevel positions, including IT support, have gone unanswered, with some processes delayed by months, the statement said. The Commission added that its financial independence has been undermined since its budget line, provided in 2017, was later absorbed under the relevant ministry.
The RTIC warned that any attempt to amend the RTI Act in a way that weakens citizens’ right to information would undermine Article 14A of the Constitution and reverse the progress achieved over the past decade. (Newswire)
