The insanity defense and the assessment of criminal responsibility in Sri Lanka

Insanity or unsoundness of mind is one of the general exceptions that exist in the penal code of Sri Lanka that excludes an individual of responsibility for a crime (criminal responsibility). Despite the many advances in science and law, the sections on the insanity defense in the penal code of Sri Lanka remain unchanged from the time the penal code was originally formulated in the 19th Century. The statutes that provide for the disposal of the offender once exculpated due to reason of insanity, appears be more geared towards protection of the society through confinement of the mentally ill offender than being therapeutic.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/sljpsyc.v4i2.6313