### RTI Supremacy Upheld: Court Rejects Navy’s ‘Security’ Claim on GR Voyage ⚖️

The Court of Appeal, in a landmark ruling on 19 March 2026, affirmed that the Right to Information (RTI) Act holds precedence over the Official Secrets Act, emphasizing transparency in public spending. • The Case: A 2022 RTI request sought details regarding former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s departure on a naval vessel during the July 2022 crisis, including travel costs and the source of payment. • The Ruling: The Court rejected the Navy’s argument that disclosing costs would compromise national security by revealing operational patterns like fuel consumption or vessel speed. • Key Legal Precedents: RTI Supremacy: Section 4 of the RTI Act overrides conflicting laws, including the Official Secrets Act. Narrow Interpretation: National security exemptions cannot be used as "blanket grounds" without demonstrating a direct link to potential harm. Fundamental Rights: Access to information is a constitutional right (Article 14A), specifically regarding the scrutiny of public expenditure. • Outcome: The Navy must disclose the total cost incurred and identify who paid for the voyage, as originally ordered by the RTI Commission. 📈