The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has written to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake raising concerns over the functioning and independence of the Right to Information Commission, citing serious understaffing, inadequate funding and proposed legal changes that could weaken citizens’ constitutional rights.
In a letter dated Dec. 19, the BASL said the commission, established under the Right to Information Act No. 12 of 2016, plays a “vital role in safeguarding the constitutional right of citizens to access information under Article 14A of the Constitution” .
The association warned that current resource constraints were directly affecting the commission’s ability to function independently and effectively.
“As a key stakeholder, the BASL is deeply concerned about the challenges currently faced by the Commission, particularly issues of serious understaffing and inadequate financing,” the letter said, adding that these shortcomings “directly undermine the Commission’s ability to function independently and effectively”.
The BASL urged the president to take immediate action to ensure financial autonomy for the commission.
“We respectfully urge Your Excellency to take immediate steps to ensure the provision of adequate and independent financial resources to the Commission, thereby safeguarding its autonomy and capacity to discharge its mandate,” the letter stated.
The association also expressed strong opposition to any amendments to the Right to Information Act that would restrict public access to information.
“BASL strongly opposes any amendment to the Right to Information Act that would curtail the citizens’ right to information guaranteed under Article 14A of the Constitution,” it said, stressing that any changes must be preceded by consultations with key stakeholders and the public .
The letter was signed by BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya and Secretary Chathura A. Galhena, and copies were sent to senior government officials and members of the Right to Information Commission.
“We trust that Your Excellency will give due consideration to these concerns in the interest of upholding the constitutional rights of the people and ensuring the continued independence of the Right to Information Commission,” the BASL said. (Newswire)
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