Dr. Wickramanayake cited various social, economic and family issues as causes.

He added that recent research has revealed that 20%-25% of the local population is suffering from mental illnesses but the percentage of severe cases was just 1%.

Most middle aged persons who underwent sexual abuse as children are suffering from dementia, he added.

Speaking further, Dr. Wickramanayake said that a serious situation was when such patients commit abusive acts. Especially old males who are dementia patients can be seen committing such abusive acts, he says, adding that some such persons are among the least expected ones to do so.

Gallows not enough
Speaking, Dr. Wickramanayake said that identifying certain persons committing wrongdoings including sexually abusive acts, as mental patients, was not an attempt to save them.

However, this situation cannot be prevented only by implementing the death penalty.