Criminal behaviour among youth aged 16–22 on the rise in Sri Lanka

Percentage has increased by nearly 200 per cent 

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

Criminal behaviour among young people aged between 16 and 22 has increased significantly over the past 10 years in Sri Lanka, Forensic Psychiatrist Dr Tharaka Fernando said.   

Speaking at a media briefing held to mark the 100th anniversary of the Institute of Mental Health, Dr Fernando said local research revealed a clear rise in youth-related crime, adding that a similar trend can be seen across the world.   

He said that when examining Sri Lanka’s statistical data from around 2015 to 2016, the number of individuals prosecuted in court and convicted had increased by nearly 200 per cent.   

Describing the situation as alarming, Dr Fernando warned that if the trend continues, prisons in the future could be filled largely with people from the 16 to 22 age group.   

He also rejected the widely held belief that most criminals are people with mental illnesses or psychiatric conditions, saying that this is a complete misconception.   

Furthermore, Dr Fernando stressed that while mental health issues exist in society, they should not be equated with criminal behaviour, as doing so only deepens stigma and prevents affected individuals from seeking proper treatment.