Open Records Laws › Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka

Right to Information Act

Right to Information Act, No. 12 of 2016

Open Records Transparency: 87/100 (excellent) Transparency Score: 87/100

RTI Rating: 131 (source)

Response Timeline

Initial Response
14 days
Extension
21 days
Residency Required
Citizen

Initial decision: 14 working days from receipt. After decision to grant and payment of fees: additional 14 working days to provide information. Extension: up to 21 additional working days permitted when request involves large volume of records or requires retrieval from geographically dispersed offices.

How to Submit a Request

Accepted Methods

  • Written — Submit written request to Information Officer
  • Oral — Oral requests accepted; must be transcribed
  • Email — Email submissions permitted

RTI Form 01 available but not mandatory. No reason for request needed.

Required Elements

  • Details to identify information
  • Preferred language
  • Preferred format

Fees

No fee to submit. First 4 pages free. RTI Commission may specify fee waivers.

Fee Waivers

  • RTI Commission authorized to establish fee waiver circumstances

Exemptions

  • Personal Information
    Unwarranted invasion of privacy
  • National Security
    Threaten security of State or territorial integrity
  • Commercial Confidentiality
    Trade secrets, IP, competitive harm
  • Third-Party Confidentiality
    Info supplied in confidence (Commission may override)
  • Cabinet Memoranda
    Cabinet matters pending decision

13 exemptions with strong public interest override. 10-year sunset on most exemptions. Mandatory severability.

Appeal Process

1

1

2

2

3

3

Strong three-tier system. Burden of proof on authorities. Free appeals at all levels.

Sources & References