In the wake of reports that the Government plans to overhaul the Right to Information (RTI) Act, No. 12 of 2016, the RTI Commission states the current plan is to revise the existing fee structure, not amend the Act.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, RTI Commission's Director General K.D.S. Ruwanchandra clarified that fees for official record requests under the RTI Act are determined through a gazette notification, and therefore, any changes would require amending the relevant gazette rather than altering the Act. 

“There is a plan to amend the fees, not to amend the Act. However, we have not yet decided on a timeframe for the revision.”

He said the Commission must balance two realities when adjusting fees. “When fees are lower, more people are encouraged to seek information. At the same time, for the Government institutions, the cost of providing that information is higher than the fee charged. Both factors will be weighed before a final decision is made.”

The RTI Act is the instrument for institutionalising open Government where all information related to activities performed in the service of the public is made easily accessible to all citizens.