Sri Lanka’s Right to Information Commission (RTIC) has warned that despite global recognition for its transparency work, chronic understaffing and lack of financial independence are undermining its ability to function effectively.
In a statement issued ahead of its 10th anniversary, RTIC Director General KDS Ruwan Chandra said the commission’s repeated requests for additional legal and support staff have been ignored, and statutory safeguards regarding funding and recruitment remain unimplemented.
“Sri Lanka is nearing the 19-year anniversary of enactment of the Right to Information Act, globally ranked among the best in the world. Despite these progressive developments, the RTIC expresses serious concern regarding the chronic under-staffing of its office,” the statement said.
The commission handles appeals from citizens seeking information from state and non-state bodies and currently operates with just one legal officer and three legal assistants to manage a growing caseload.
Requests for mid-level staff, including IT assistants, have faced delays of up to eight months, the statement said.
RTIC also raised concerns over misreporting by the media, which it said has misrepresented the number of appeals handled by the commission, potentially undermining its quasi-judicial role.
According to the RTIC, final decisions were handed down in 1,157 out of 1,306 appeals filed between January and September 2025, with adjournments reflecting normal procedural requirements rather than inefficiency.
The commission also criticized government handling of budget allocations.
It said that although a dedicated fund and budget line item had been mandated under the RTI Act, allocations have been absorbed under the nodal ministry, compromising the RTIC’s financial and operational independence.
The RTIC urged that any amendments to the Right to Information Act that dilute citizens’ information rights would undermine constitutional protections and reverse the progress made under Sri Lanka’s RTI regime.
The commission highlighted past international recognition of its work, citing UNESCO’s 2020 report, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund for acknowledging Sri Lanka’s efforts to foster transparency and an emerging culture of accountability among public authorities.
The RTIC called for immediate action to address staffing shortages, restore financial independence, and safeguard the commission’s role in ensuring public access to information.
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