Minister of Megapolis and Western Development Patali Champika Ranawaka presented the Megapolis Plan to President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday at the Presidential Secretariat. Several other monisters were also present at the occasion.

The leaders of the TNA and the SLMC met today to discuss on the proposal to draft a new constitution and the aspirations of the Tamil and the Muslim people. (Pic: TNAMedia)

Five persons, including an infant, died in an accident early this morning at Dummaladeniya, Warakapola. A bus collided with a van coming towards Colombo. Twenty two others were injured.

An Iraqi flag flies over the government complex in Ramadi, 115km West of Baghdad. The Iraqi forces announced the liberation of the city yesterday, marking a significant victory over the ISIS. (Photo: AP)

The second meeting of Tamil People's Council, led by Northern Province CM C.V. Wigneswaran, was held yesterday at Jaffna Public Library Auditorium. Former MP Suresh Premachandran and several other TNA members also took part in the meeting. The formation of the TPC has led to serious differences between Wigneswaran and the TNA leadership.

Hundreds of people fled their homes after torrential rain triggered flooding in towns across Lancashire and West Yorkshire in Northern England. The city of York was hit by the most severe flooding in 15 years.

The eleventh anniversary of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami was held today across the island. The main event was held at the Tsunami Memorial at Peraliya, Hikkaduwa. (Pic: Lankadeepa)

Today is Christmas Day. Christians around the world mark the birth of Jesus Christ today. This painting by Gerard van Honthorst, is among many paintings which shows the Adoration of the Shepherds, as described in the Bible.

Heavy traffic was reported on the Godagama exit in Southern Expressway this morning as large crowds left Colombo for the long holiday. The traffic line reportedly exceeded 2km. Heavy traffic was also reported in several other towns across the island. Pic: Twitter @mjmmanoj

Indian PM Narendra Modi called on Russian President Vladirim Putin in Moscow and discussed Indo-Russian ties.