RTI Commission flags crippling staff shortages | Daily FT
RTI Commission flags crippling staff shortages | Daily FT
Sri Lanka’s Right to Information Commission has highlighted a critical vulnerability in its national transparency framework, warning that chronic understaffing and ignored statutory safeguards are weakening the system. Despite achieving high case resolution rates, the Commission operated with minimal legal support and without full leadership for extended periods. This persistent neglect of institutional resources threatens the operational independence necessary to uphold citizen rights effectively, risking a regression in governance standards as the landmark RTI Act approaches its tenth anniversary. The article underscores the global significance of Sri Lanka’s RTI regime, which has been recognized by international bodies like UNESCO and the IMF as a model for sustainable development and good governance. However, the Commission cautions that recent political attempts to dilute the Act or alter its implementation procedures could undermine constitutional protections. These potential legislative changes pose a direct threat to the progressive gains made in fostering a culture of transparency among public authorities, potentially eroding the legal foundations that have earned the nation international acclaim. This situation is highly relevant to open data advocates because it demonstrates how administrative neglect and political interference can compromise the infrastructure required for effective information rights. The Commission’s struggle highlights that robust open data systems rely not just on legislation, but on sustained institutional capacity, financial independence, and protection from dilution. Ignoring these operational realities risks reversing decades of progress in accountability, showing that without adequate support, even world-class transparency laws cannot function as intended to empower citizens.
Source: ft.lkPublished on 2025-11-22