RTI or the Right to Information Act became the law of the country on February 3, 2017. Touted as the world's third best such Act by none other than HE the President of Sri Lanka, it gives Sri Lankan citizens "almost" unfettered access to government information. It certainly appears to be another enhancement towards good governance, yet, it could lead to unexpected ramifications as well. All Sri Lankan's are cautiously treading the unknown waters.

RTI law with comprehensive powers even to investigate a private entity if it had dealt with a government contract etc., were unheard in Sri Lanka where access to government information was mostly on a restricted basis. The whole government apparatus is scrambling to appoint all important "Information Officers" to deal with influx of requests for information. The law makers who approved this powerful law are now hurriedly considering amendments to curtail some of its venom - for good or bad is a judgment call.

However, we as engineers with responsibility towards the society on many accounts and holding accountable positions must fully grasp the law ( not knowing the law is a punishable offense in a court of law).

The following Public Lecture was organized by the Mechanical Engineering Sectional Committee to find out the basic information to start with, such as:

• What is RTI Act
• Who / What comes under the purview of RTI Act
• What are the rights of citizens of Sri Lanka under the Act
• What types of information they can seek ( what's not given)
• What should organizations do to manage the affairs under RTI Act

The lecture was delivered by a lawyer who had been in the forefront of lobbyists for information rights in Sri Lanka and later instrumental in enacting the law.