As Sri Lanka prepares to mark the tenth anniversary of its groundbreaking Right to Information Act in 2026, the country's Right to Information Commission (RTIC) has issued a compelling warning about potential legislative changes that could undermine citizens' fundamental right to access public information. The landmark RTI Act No. 12 of 2016 has served as a cornerstone of democratic transparency in Sri Lanka, empowering citizens to hold their government accountable through unprecedented access to public records and information.
A Decade of Transparency Progress
The Right to Information Act represents one of Sri Lanka's most significant democratic achievements in recent history. Since its implementation, the legislation has transformed the relationship between citizens and government institutions, establishing clear mechanisms for public information access and creating accountability frameworks that were previously absent from the country's governance structure.
Over the past decade, the RTIC has processed thousands of information requests, ranging from government spending inquiries to policy documentation access. This systematic approach to transparency has enabled journalists, civil society organizations, and ordinary citizens to scrutinize government actions with unprecedented clarity. The commission's work has contributed to exposing corruption, improving policy debates, and strengthening democratic participation across Sri Lankan society.
The RTI Act's success can be measured not only in the volume of requests processed but also in its broader impact on governance culture. Government institutions have been compelled to maintain better records, implement more systematic information management practices, and adopt greater transparency in their decision-making processes.
Current Challenges and Threats
Despite these achievements, the RTIC has identified several concerning trends that threaten to undermine the effectiveness of Sri Lanka's transparency regime. The commission's recent public statement highlights growing pressures to amend the RTI Act in ways that could significantly weaken citizens' rights to access public information.
These proposed amendments reportedly include provisions that would expand exemptions for government information, create additional bureaucratic barriers for information requests, and potentially limit the commission's enforcement powers. Such changes would represent a significant step backward for democratic accountability in Sri Lanka, particularly at a time when transparency and good governance are crucial for the country's economic recovery and political stability.
The timing of these amendment discussions is particularly concerning, as Sri Lanka continues to navigate complex economic challenges that require maximum transparency in government decision-making. Citizens have a legitimate right to understand how public resources are being allocated, how policy decisions are being made, and how their government is addressing the country's various challenges.
International Standards and Best Practices
Sri Lanka's RTI Act was developed in accordance with international best practices and standards established by organizations such as the United Nations and regional transparency initiatives. The legislation incorporates key principles including maximum disclosure, proactive publication of information, limited exemptions, and independent oversight through the RTIC.
Any amendments that weaken these core principles would not only harm domestic governance but also damage Sri Lanka's international reputation as a country committed to democratic values and transparent governance. International partners, development agencies, and investors increasingly prioritize transparency and accountability when making decisions about engagement and support.
The commission's warning aligns with global trends emphasizing the importance of robust right to information frameworks. Countries worldwide have recognized that transparency legislation serves as a fundamental pillar of democratic governance, economic development, and social progress.
Stakeholder Responses and Civil Society Concerns
The RTIC's warning has resonated strongly within Sri Lanka's civil society community, with numerous organizations expressing support for maintaining the current strength of the RTI Act. Journalists, activists, and transparency advocates have highlighted how the legislation has been instrumental in their work to promote accountability and expose wrongdoing.
Legal experts have also weighed in on the debate, emphasizing that weakening the RTI Act would violate constitutional principles regarding citizens' rights and democratic participation. They argue that any amendments should strengthen rather than weaken the transparency regime, particularly given ongoing challenges in governance and public administration.
Looking Toward the Future
As Sri Lanka approaches this significant milestone, the focus should be on strengthening rather than weakening its transparency framework. The RTIC's decade of experience has provided valuable insights into how the RTI Act could be improved to better serve citizens while maintaining appropriate protections for legitimate government interests.
The commission's warning serves as a crucial reminder that democratic progress requires constant vigilance and protection. The right to information is not merely a technical legal matter but a fundamental component of democratic citizenship that enables people to participate meaningfully in their country's governance.
Moving forward, Sri Lanka has the opportunity to build upon its RTI Act's success by addressing implementation challenges, improving government compliance, and ensuring that citizens can continue to access the information they need to hold their leaders accountable. The tenth anniversary should be celebrated as a milestone of democratic achievement rather than marked by efforts to roll back these important gains.