Challenges in the Effective Implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act in Sri Lanka.

Abstract

Information is now treated as crucial for advancing knowledge-based and accountable governance. However, this also poses a challenge to democracy and citizens' rights across the globe. The Right to Information (RIT) is one of effective tool for promoting government transparency, accountability and citizen participation. In 2017, the RTI Act was enacted under the Ministry of Mass Media to lubricate the anti-corruption drive and promote good governance in Sri Lanka. According to the Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) and World Bank’s Worldwide Governance Indicators, the RTI Act in Sri Lanka has not effectively curbed corruption, improved accountability, regulatory quality and the rule of law. The implementation issues are the primary reason for RTI ineffectiveness. This paper identifies multifaceted challenges in the effective implementation of the RTI Act in Sri Lanka. Adopting the qualitative research approaches, both primary and secondary data were collected. The primary data was collected through ten semi-structured interviews, using judgemental purposive sampling techniques. The study found that the key issues of implementing the RTI act in Sri Lanka are as follows: lack of awareness of the Information Officer, unprecedented time consumption, the issue with enforcement of the act, bureaucratic culture, language barriers, rejecting information without valid reasons, non-disclosure of information by non-governmental organisations and the private sector, legal exception, and lack of public interest. In conclusion, the RTI is an important tool for democratising Sri Lanka's governance system. Furthermore, awareness and practice of RTI law hold government transparency and accountability. Effective implementation of the RTI Act will contribute to good governance and support the anti-corruption drive in Sri Lanka. To address the above challenges in implementing the RTI Act, the policymakers, politicians, civil servants and NGOs need to rank the common needs over political interest.