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SLPI launches “A Citizen’s Manual on Sri Lanka’s Right to Information Law”
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CEO SLPI Kumar Lopez hands over a copy of the Citizen’s Manual on the RTI Act to the Chairman RTI Commission Mahinda Gammanpila at the Commission’s office at BMICH. Kishali Pinto Jayawardene, Commission member is also present
The Sri Lanka Press Institute (SLPI) launched “A Citizen’s Manual on Sri Lanka’s Right to Information (RTI) Law” on December 5, at its premises. The Manual simplifies the RTI Law to enable citizens use the Act effectively, so that, Government is made more accountable to the People.
Compiled by Attorney-at-law Menaka Lecamwasam, during July-September 2016, with the guidance of senior lawyer Kishali Pinto-Jayawardena, who now serves as a member of the RTI Commission, the Manual incorporates a simple ‘Question and Answer’ style highlighting key areas of the law.
SLPI CEO, Kumar Lopez stated that, “We hope this will be used by both citizens and journalists. The Manual is published in trilingual form and contains key information such as, What is RTI?; Duties of the Ministries and Public Authority; How to obtain information and from whom it could be obtained; what type of information will not be disclosed, the appeal process and penalties, and the Role of the RTI Commission.’