Police Headquarters told media that seven people were questioned regarding the alleged ‘coup’ on the night of the Presidential Election.

Speaking to media on the matter, Police Media Spokesman ASP Ajith Rohana said that the questioning was conducted under the advice of the Attorney General.

Ajith Rohana said that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) launched an investigation into an alleged plot which took place inside the Temple Trees on January 9, with the aim of preventing Maithripala Sirisena's ascension to presidency.

It is reported that Chief Justice Mohan Peiris, IGP N A Illangakoon, Former Minister of External Affairs G L Peiris and Provincial Councilor Udaya Gammanpila were among the seven who were questioned by the CID.

Police sources told Asian Mirror that the CID would also record a statement from the former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa in this regard.

The CID launched the investigation into the matter after Minister of External Affairs Mangala Samaraweera lodged a complaint with the CID claiming that the above mentioned parties made a last minute attempt to keep former President Mahinda Rajapaksa in power after losing the Presidential Election.

However, speaking to media earlier, Western Provincial Councilor Udaya Gammanpila said that even though he was present at Temple Trees on January 9, he was not involved in any ‘plot’ against the democratically elected President. He added that he was merely present to support the President.

(Hasitha Ayeshmantha)