Incoming President Maithripala Sirisena will order an investigation into an alleged coup attempt by his predecessor Mahinda Rajapaksa to try to retain power, presidential spokesman Mangala Samaraweera said yesterday.

Mr Rajapaksa had been widely expected to win a third term in office until a few weeks ago.

However, his former health minister defected from the ruling party in November and contested the election as the united opposition candidate.

Although Mr Rajapaksa conceded defeat, claiming to respect the people’s mandate, Mr Samaraweera accused him yesterday of attempting to deploy the army and police to stop the count when initial results showed him heading for defeat.