Colombo, December 19, 2025 — The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has formally raised concerns over the functioning of the Right to Information Commission (RTIC), urging President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to take immediate steps to strengthen the Commission’s independence and capacity.
In a letter dated December 19, the BASL drew the President’s attention to challenges highlighted in a public statement issued by the RTIC on November 20. The Association emphasized that the Commission, established under the Right to Information Act No. 12 of 2016, plays a critical role in protecting citizens’ constitutional right to access information under Article 14A of the Constitution.
The BASL noted that, as a principal stakeholder that nominates a member to the Commission under the Act, it has a direct interest in the RTIC’s effective functioning. While commending the Commission for delivering “commendable service” over the past decade despite limited resources, the Association expressed deep concern over what it described as serious understaffing and inadequate financing.
According to the BASL, these shortcomings directly undermine the Commission’s ability to operate independently and effectively. The Association therefore called on the President to ensure the provision of adequate and independent financial resources to the RTIC in order to safeguard its autonomy and enable it to fully discharge its mandate.
The BASL also strongly opposed any proposed amendments to the Right to Information Act that would curtail citizens’ right to information. It stressed that any changes to the law or to the functioning of the Commission must be preceded by broad consultations, including with the BASL and the general public.
Concluding its appeal, the Association said it trusts the President will give due consideration to these concerns in the interest of upholding constitutional rights and ensuring the continued independence of the Right to Information Commission.
The Letter in Full:
19th December 2025
His Excellency Anura Kumara Dissanayake
President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka,
Presidential Secretariat,
Colombo 01.
Your Excellency,
RE: CONCERNS RELATING TO THE FUNCTIONING OF THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION COMMISSION
The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) wishes to draw Your Excellency’s attention to several concerns arising from the Public Statement issued by the Right to Information Commission on 20th November 2025.
The Right to Information 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. Its independent functioning and accountability are therefore of paramount importance. Under Section 12(1)(a) of the Act, the BASL nominates a member to the Commission, making the Association a principal stakeholder in its operations. It is to be noted with appreciation that with the limited resources, the Commission has rendered commendable service during the past decade since its establishment.
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. These deficiencies directly undermine the Commission’s ability to function independently and effectively.
Therefore, 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.
Furthermore, the BASL strongly opposes amendment to the Right to Information Act that would curtail the citizens’ right to information guaranteed under Article 14A of the Constitution. We emphasize that any proposed amendment to the Act or to the functioning of the Commission must be preceded by due consultations including with the BASL, as a principal stakeholder, and with the general public.
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.
Yours faithfully,
Rajeev Amarasuriya
President
Bar Association of Sri Lanka
Chathura A. Galhena
Secretary
Bar Association of Sri Lanka
Copies to:
-
Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne
Parliament of Sri Lanka,
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte -
Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa
No.163, Asi Disi Medura,
Kirulapone Mawatha, Polhengoda,
Colombo 05. -
Mr. Daya Lankapura
Chairman,
Right to Information Commission,
Rooms No 203–204, Block 2, BMICH,
Bauddhaloka Mawatha,
Colombo 07. -
Members,
Right to Information Commission,
Rooms No 203–204, Block 2, BMICH,
Bauddhaloka Mawatha,
Colombo 07.