President Maithripala Sirisena said the people would be able to to exercise their franchise to form a new government in another five months.

Addressing a meeting in Nuwaraeliya, Sirisena said the people should elect a "people's government" with clean politicians at the next national election.

"The only way to salvage this country is to elect a government with honest people. People will have the option of selecting a government of that sort in five months," he added.

However, the President did not specifically said whether the next election would be a Presidential election or a Parliamentary election.

According to the Elections Commission Chairman, the next Presidential election is scheduled to take place on or before December 08.