SLC admits it comes under RTI Act

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 6, 2026

Sri Lanka Cricket has accepted that it falls under the country's Right to Information Act, enabling public access to its governance documents, including a previously withheld investigation report on sexual harassment allegations. This move marks a shift toward greater transparency and accountability within the national cricket body after an RTI commission ruling upheld its status as a Public Authority.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has acknowledged that it is subject to the country’s Right to Information (RTI) Act, marking a significant shift from the stance taken by its previous administration. This recognition allows the public to request information related to the governance and operations of the national cricket body.

The development follows a decision by the SLC Transformation Committee, led by Eran Wickramaratne, to increase transparency by bringing SLC under the RTI framework. Previously, SLC had contended that it was not a Public Authority (PA) under the RTI Act and therefore exempt from providing information to citizens. This position maintained a culture of secrecy despite growing demands for accountability.

The issue arose from a 2023 RTI request made by journalist Naushad Amit seeking access to an investigation report concerning allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct involving members of the Sri Lanka women's cricket team and SLC officials. Initially, SLC denied the request, citing the presence of “personal information” in the report. The request was then referred to the Designated Officer at the Ministry of Sports, who also rejected the appeal but notably did not dispute that SLC fell within the RTI’s scope.

Mr. Amit subsequently appealed to the Right to Information Commission (RTIC). In July 2024, the commission ruled that SLC met the criteria of a Public Authority under the RTI Act and ordered that the report be released with redactions to protect the identities of complainants. The commission emphasized the public interest in disclosing the report, citing concerns over the integrity and conduct of cricket officials and the welfare of players.

The RTIC based its decision on Section 43 of the RTI Act, which defines a Public Authority as an organisation established by or under written law. The commission noted that SLC was legally registered under the National Association of Sports Regulations and functions as the national governing body for cricket, responsible for regulation and international representation.

Despite initially mounting a legal challenge through the Court of Appeal, the previous SLC administration’s appeal was withdrawn by the interim committee now in place. This withdrawal effectively confirmed SLC’s status as a Public Authority subject to the RTI Act.

Following the withdrawal of the appeal, Mr. Amit received a copy of the investigation report he had requested, signaling a broader commitment by SLC towards transparency and accountability in cricket administration.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.