Sri Lanka to probe alleged coup attempt by ex-president

Sri Lanka's newly elected president Mithripala Sirisena waves at media as he leaves the election commission in Colombo January 9, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

COLOMBO - The new Sri Lankan Government will launch an investigation into an alleged coup attempt by the former administration during the Presidential elections, a spokesman said on Sunday.

United National Party (UNP) Parliamentarian Mangala Samaraweera said that pressure had been exerted on police and army to prevent President Maithripala Sirisena from winning the Presidential election last week.

However, Samaraweera said that the police and the army had refused to comply and the nation is grateful that they ensured a peaceful, free and fair election.

He said that once the new cabinet is appointed, a special investigation will be launched and details of the attempted coup will be revealed to the public.

He said that while the election day was peaceful, there were things taking place behind the screens which will need to be exposed.

Samaraweera also said that some members of the former government have not accepted the defeat and are spreading false allegations, giving the impression that the country is now unstable.

The UNP legislator said that special focus has been placed on attempts to spread rumors following the election and he urged the Sri Lankan public not be misled by such allegations.

Samaraweera also said that the new government will not allow groups to operate with the intention of creating rifts between communities and religions.