Sri Lanka, Feb. 5 -- The government plans to replace Sri Lanka's century-old Mental Health Act with a modern legislative framework tailored to contemporary needs, according to Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni.

Speaking yesterday (04) at the 100th-anniversary celebration of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) in Angoda, the Deputy Minister noted that the process of revising the outdated legal structure already commenced.

A draft of the proposed bill reached the Cabinet and Parliament for consideration. Dr. Wijemuni emphasised that the legislation will not remain a mere legal document, as the ministry intends to seek public views and suggestions before finalisation.

The new act focuses on protecting the rights of...