“I deny in all possible terms reports of attempts to use the military to influence election results,” the former leader said on Twitter adding that he accepted the verdict before final results were declared on Friday.

"I accepted the outcome long before the final official results were released and congratulated the new President," he has added.

"During decades in politics, I have always bowed down to the people's verdict. Wins & losses are a natural part of political life," he has further said.

Meanwhile, the newly sworn in government of President Maithripala Sirisena has pledged to hold a probe into the alleged coup.