The Presidential Secretariat has declined to disclose the names of officials attached to the President’s Media Division, citing provisions under the Right to Information (RTI) Act No. 12 of 2016.
In a written response to an appeal filed by activist Anuruddha Bandara, Senior Assistant Secretary to the President G.P.H.M. Kumarasinghe conveyed the decision.
The President’s Office invoked Section 5(1)(a) of the RTI Act. Section 5(1)(a) of the Right to Information (RTI) Act No. 12 of 2016 of Sri Lanka relates to the exemptions under which a public authority may refuse to disclose information.
Here’s what Section 5(1)(a) says in essence:
“Disclosure of personal information relating to an individual may be refused if the disclosure would result in an unwarranted invasion of the privacy of the individual, unless the larger public interest justifies the disclosure or the person concerned has given written consent.”
The move has drawn criticism from transparency advocates and civil society groups, who argue that the names of public officials—particularly those involved in state media operations—should not be classified as confidential. They say the refusal undermines the spirit of the RTI Act, which is intended to foster openness and accountability in public institutions. (Newswire)
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