Prison records reveal that 826 inmates sentenced to death are currently in custody.
Prisons Department Spokesman and Commissioner Jagath Weerasinghe said this group comprises 805 males and 21 females; 387 men and 6 women have appealed against their death sentences.
More than 36,000 inmates are held in 36 prisons across the country, with around 65% facing drug-related charges.
The Prisons Department spends approximately Rs. 1,400 per day on each inmate.
by Chaminda Silva 