Sri Lanka's president, Maithripala Sirisena, yesterday vowed that "come what may" he would implement the death penalty within "2-3 months". 

Over recent months Sirisena has repeatedly reiterated his plans to reintroduced the death penalty for those convicted of drug trafficking, despite international outcry and warns of interventions. 

“We need stringent laws to make a law abiding and spiritual society,” Sirisena told parliament. 

“The country is now proliferated with various drugs including marijuana, cocaine, heroin and ice."

"Come what may I will put into practice the decision I took to implement the death penalty within next two to three months."

Sirisena has consistently rejected any criticism of his plans and pledged to replicate the Philippines president's brutal 'war on drugs' in Sri Lanka. 

Last month, he said he would not reverse his decision to implement capital punishment, telling an audience in Mullaitivu that he had no “fear of NGOs”.

Speaking at a police awards ceremony last week, he called on the island to wage a war on drugs in a “similar manner” to the massive military offensive a decade ago that killed tens of thousands of Tamils and saw large scale violations of international law.

He was quoted as saying, ”to save the nation from brutal drug smugglers a war must be conducted in a similar manner as the war against the ruthless terrorism that lasted 30 years.”