Sri Lanka, Jan. 26 -- Criminal behavior among youth aged between 16 and 22 years has increased over the past 10 years, Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist Dr. Tharaka Fernando stated.

Dr. Fernando noted that the trend has been revealed through research conducted in the country and that it is also visible worldwide.

Dr. Tharaka Fernando made these remarks while attending a media briefing held to mark the 100th anniversary of the National Institute of Mental Health.

He further noted that, according to statistical data in Sri Lanka around 2015 and 2016, the number of individuals who were prosecuted, convicted and sentenced by courts increased by approximately 200%.

Dr. Fernando emphasized that this is a concerning development and warned tha...