BASL writes to President raising concerns over challenges faced by RTI Commission | Daily FT

BASL writes to President raising concerns over challenges faced by RTI Commission | Daily FT

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka urges the President to address critical resource deficits plaguing the Right to Information Commission. By ensuring adequate, independent financing and staffing, the government can safeguard the body’s autonomy and its ability to effectively uphold citizens’ constitutional access to information. The Association strongly opposes any legislative changes that might restrict these fundamental rights. It emphasizes that reforms affecting the Act or the Commission’s operations must strictly follow due consultation processes. This includes mandatory engagement with principal stakeholders and the broader public to protect democratic transparency. This development is vital for open data ecosystems, as it highlights the fragility of institutional independence. Ensuring robust, well-resourced oversight bodies prevents arbitrary restrictions on information flow, fostering a culture where government data remains accessible and accountable to the public without undue political interference.

Source: ft.lk
Published on 2025-12-23