RTI: Let’s protect our right through the Right to Information Act! -Batticaloa

• Batticaloa District

The Sri Lanka Press Institute (SLPI) in association with the Australian High Commission’s Direct Aid Program (DAP) held the second training program of the series “RTI: Protecting Our Rights through the Right to Information Act” on January 6th held at the District Secretariat Auditorium, Batticaloa. Chairman of the Right to Information Commission, retired High Court Justice Upali Aberathne, Commissioners of the Commission, Attorney at Law Kishali Pinto Jayawardena Attorney at Law Jagath Liyana Arachi, and A.M Nahiya were present.

Batticaloa district’s Additional District Secretariat Mr. Naveswaran were also presented. The training was organized for journalists and civil society organizations. It was also discussed how the Right to Information Act can be used effectively to enable citizens to enjoy one of the fundamental rights, the Right to Information. At the beginning of this training, Mr. Jagath Liyana Arachi gave his presentation on the basic issues related to RTI. Following this, Additional District Secretariat Mr. Naveswaran delivered his speech about “How RTI became useful for Batticaloa”. Vidivelli Editor, Mr. Mohamed Fairooz made the commissioners aware of the challenges faced by Batticaloa journalists while using RTI.

The members of the commission participated in the question and answer session and answered the doubts of the participants. Also, the challenges faced by them while using the law and their solutions were given by the commission. They also directed appeals to be filed within a timely manner and appeals to the Right to Information Commission if the public authorities do not provide a proper response to the request within the time prescribed by law.