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RTI | Right to Information

Right to Information Act

Right to Information Act No. 12 of 2016 of Sri Lanka

Important Notice

Prescribed fees must be paid for RTI requests, and responses are received within 14 days of receipt. If the officer rejects the request with written reasons, an appeal may be submitted within 21 days.

Introduction to the Right to Information Act

Right to Information Act No. 12 of 2016

The Right to Information Act No. 12 of 2016 grants all Sri Lankan citizens the right to access information held by public authorities, under Article 14A of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

This Act came into force on 3rd February 2017 by Official Gazette notification of the President. It grants Sri Lankan citizens the full right to obtain any information held by a public authority through a written request. (Subject to applicable government conditions)

The Southern Province Ministry of Agriculture is fully committed to implementing the RTI Act. You have a legal right to obtain any public information you need.

The RTI (Right to Information) system was introduced to implement democratic service for the people of Sri Lanka, from local to national level.

Your Right to Information

Your rights under the RTI Act

The right to obtain letters, documents, reports, and official notes held by a public authority, through a written request.

The right to receive information within 14 days from the date of submission of your request.

The right to request written reasons if your request is rejected.

The right to submit an appeal to a senior officer within 21 days of a rejected request.

The right to submit a second appeal to the RTI Commission (RTIC).

The right to receive information in copy, digital or audio-visual format.

How to Submit an RTI Request

Steps to follow when submitting an RTI request

1
Prepare Your Request

Prepare a written request specifying the information you wish to obtain. A precise and clear request will help you receive a prompt response. You may use the RTI Application Form RI-01 / AP-01.

RI-01 / AP-01 Application Form
2
Pay the Fee

Pay the applicable request fee (Rs. 50/- per request). Payment can be made through GovPay or government payment methods. The payment receipt must be submitted along with the request.

Applicable fees apply
3
Submit Your Request

Submit the written request to the Designated Information Officer of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Written request required
4
How Will You Receive a Response?

A response will be received within 14 days of receipt of the request. Information can be obtained in the requested format (written / digital / copy).

Within 14 / 48 days
5
If Rejected — 1st Appeal

If the request is rejected or a response is not received within 14 days, you may submit an appeal using the RI-10 / AP-10 appeal form within 21 days.

RI-10 / AP-10 Appeal Form
6
RTI Commission — 2nd Appeal

If an unfavourable response is received even after the 1st appeal, a 2nd appeal may be submitted to the RTI Commission (RTIC). RTIC is an independent body.

www.rtic.gov.lk

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Questions frequently asked by the public about RTI

Any Sri Lankan citizen can submit an RTI request.

Yes. An RTI request can be submitted in any of the three languages: Sinhala, Tamil and English. The response should also be received in the same language in which the request was submitted.

Under Section 5 of the RTI Act, requests relating to national security, the national economy, Sri Lanka's foreign relations, legal proceedings, commercial secrets, privacy and similar matters may receive an unfavourable response.

According to the fee regulations established by the Government of Sri Lanka, the fee for submitting a written request is Rs. 50/-. There may also be fees for providing printouts of documents. Fees are determined based on the number of copies. Specific fees are confirmed upon receipt of the RTI payment receipt.

Yes. You have the option to submit an electronic request (email). RTI requests can be submitted digitally to our address info@agrimin.sp.gov.lk. In such cases, GovPay payment is recommended for paying the fee.
Information Officer

Mr. L. S. Warnakulasuriya

Information Officer

Institution

Southern Province Ministry of Agriculture

Address

4th Floor, Dakshina Paya, Labuduwa, Galle

Telephone

+94 091 4946393 / 091 4943078

Email

info@agrimin.sp.gov.lk

Office Hours

Monday – Friday | 8:30 – 4:15