Minister of Justice and Labour Relations Wijedasa Rajapakshe stated that they got to know about the plans of a military coup a week before the presidential election on January 8.

Speaking with BBC Sandeshaya, he said that the Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya was informed on that matter and Deshapriya had written to the armed forces. Rajapakshe also recalled that the Elections Commissioner had given strict orders to take severe action against those who try to break the rules, with his "shoot to the heads" instructions prior to the election.

Rajapakshe said that this attempt was known to the top most echelons of the former government, including the former president.

He added that the police was conducting inquiries on the matter with the assistance of the Attorney General's Department since this was a serious issue.

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera had filed a complaint at the Criminal Investigations Department after the fall of the former government on this alleged coup.