Crime: mentally fit are biggest offenders

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

Most crimes committed in Sri Lanka are by people who are mentally healthy, Health Ministry Media Spokesman W M D Wanninayake said.

Wanninayake said only nine percent of Sri Lankans are affected by mental problems. He said the Health Ministry will launch an awareness programme to educate the mentally healthy population on preventing crimes. "Over 1,000 rape cases were reported last year. There is an increase in isolated crimes committed by mentally healthy people. Among them are murder, rape, abuse, harassment and similar incidents," he said.

The Health Ministry will take steps to rehabilitate nine percent of the total population suffering from mental problems while educating the rest, on maintaining a balanced mind which help prevent crimes, he added.