The Tamil People's Council (TPC) formed its first subcommittee to draft proposals to the proposed new Constitution. The TPC's second meeting since its inception on 19 December was held at the Jaffna Public Library Auditorium yesterday. Northern Chief Minister C. V. Wigneswaran chaired yesterday's meeting accompanied by cochair members Dr. P. Lakshman and T.Vasantharaja of Batticaloa Civil Society. People's Liberation Organization Tamil Eelam leader and the TNA Parliamentarian D. Sidarthan also participated at the TPC meeting along with the EPRLF Leader and former TNA Parliamentarian Suresh K. Premachandran.

Soon after the meeting Chief Minister Wigneswaran and his two other cochair members held the TPC's first press briefing at the Library Auditorium where Wigneswaran reiterated that the TPC was not a political party and it was an organization formed to voice for the political aspirations and to address the humanitarian issues of the people in the North and East. Forming of the first subcommittee at the yesterday's meeting Wigneswaran said that the committee would comprise fifteen members.

"The subcommittee will commence making its preliminary draft proposals to the proposed new Constitution on 2 January 2016 and it is expected to complete the final draft by end of March 2016. The second Committee is expected to be formed shortly which would look into the issues related to alleged war crimes," Wigneswaran said. Meanwhile the Opposition and the TNA Leader R. Sampanthan and Chief Minister held a special meeting with regard to the formation of the TPC at the residence of Kanaga Eswaran PC last week.

Both leaders agreed that they were able to discuss on the misunderstandings between them and the meeting was cordial. The efforts are also mooted to narrow the differences between the TNA and the TPC by several prominent civil society figures in the North and East.

Whilst highlighting that he had completed his tasks, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said today that the people will have to decide the country's destiny at the Presidential polls which will be declared shorty.

Incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe will definitely contest for Presidency, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene declared today. Wijewardene made this announcement at the UNP District convention in Galle.

Sri Lanka and India are now poised to form a joint venture to execute the power grid connectivity project, Daily Mirror learns. Sri Lanka and India are working on an undersea transmission line that will link the power grid with that of India.

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) is reported to have upped the ante on parliamentarians over possible involvement in tax frauds, Daily Mirror learns. Sri Lanka’s new anti-corruption law provides for the declaration of assets by MPs.

Uma Kumaran, a British national of Sri Lankan descent, has been successful in her bid to be elected as the first MP of Stratford and Bow in the United Kingdom. Contesting from the Labour Party, she has been elected after securing 19145 votes in the UK’s general election held on July 04.

MP Dayasiri Jayasekara, yesterday (05), said that he would soon hold a disciplinary inquiry against Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, who was undermining the party. Jayasekera said so after assuming duties as the General Secretary of the SLFP in front of the party headquarters, Darley Road, Colombo 10.

The U.K.’s opposition Labour Party is on course to win a huge parliamentary majority in the country’s general election, unseating the incumbent Conservatives after 14 years.

A lorry overturned in Soranathota, Badulla, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least four individuals. Two others sustained injuries in the accident and have been rushed to the hospital for treatment. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation, but initial reports suggest that the lorry may have lost control.

resident Ranil Wickremesinghe announced an $8 billion debt relief package in line with the ongoing debt restructuring process. He said this during the Urumaya Freehold Land Deed Ceremony in Kurunegala today.

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) today denied any association with Chamindra Dayan Lenawa, who filed a petition calling for the postponement of the Presidential election by one year.

The Colombo High Court today further extended its order to freeze 16 fixed deposit accounts and three insurance policies belonging to the family members of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella for three months.

State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya clarified that individuals who have received letters or text messages from the Inland Revenue Department requesting tax payments need not comply if their monthly income does not exceed Rs. 100,000.

The Police stated that further action will be taken with Acting Attorney General (AG), President’s Counsel Parinda Ranasinghe Junior’s instructions regarding the death of a Naval sailor during an operation to apprehend a group of Indian fishermen for fishing illegally in Sri Lankan waters.

The Customs trade unions have called off their strike following discussions with State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said today that Chamindra Dayan Lenawa, who filed a fundamental rights petition before the Supreme Court to halt the Presidential election, had not consulted the President or his legal representatives before filing this application, the President's Media Division said.

Sri Lanka has successfully concluded its discussions with the bondholders, reaching an agreement on the restructuring terms yesterday. This follows an unsuccessful first round of talks in April.

The Attorney General today raised objections to former Parliamentarian Hirunika Premachandra being enlarged on bail, in a bail pending appeal. When this application was called before Colombo High Court Judge Amal Ranaraja, the Attorney General sought a further date to file written submissions against the bail application.

At least 25 passengers have been hospitalised following a collision between a cement-loaded lorry and a passenger bus at Madampe on the Chilaw-Colombo main road this morning. Police said the injured were admitted to the Chilaw Hospital.

A fundamental rights petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking an order to prevent the Election Commission from conducting the Presidential Election until the Court decides on the incumbent President's tenure. C.D. Lenawa, a professional entrepreneur, submitted the petition.

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam highlighted that former Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Russia Udayanga Weeratunga has nothing to do with the party and thus, his statements regarding the party are of no importance.