Members of many faiths and cultures came together to raise money for a country devastated by flooding.

Sri Lanka was hit by terrible flooding in May – around half a million people were affected and more than 100 lost their lives.

Kairul Kareema Marika, a native Sri Lankan now standing as a Harrow councillor, helped organised a fundraiser at Harrow Civic Centre.

“I was really proud. In fact I will in tears,” said Cllr Marika.

“It was a very successful day and it was great to see the community coming together to raise these vital funds.”

Money raised from ticket sales combined with donations collected at Kingsbury Sri Lankan Buddhist Temple meant that £2,000 would be going to help those in the worst-hit areas of the country.

The fund will be managed by the Sri Lankan Federation Board, of which Cllr Marika is a member.

For the first time in history, the Sri Lankan flag was hoisted in the council chambers and the national anthem sung at the event in June.

A speech by Sri Lankan ambassador Sugeeshwara Guranatna was listened to by representatives of the community including deputy mayor Cllr Margaret Devine, Harrow Council leader Sachin Shah, and Brent Council leader Cllr Muhammed Butt.

The event was not only a chance to offer support to those families hit by the flooding but also to build on the strong interfaith relationships within the borough.

During the day, a cultural pageant saw children and groups from Harrow’s diverse community perform a range of dances, including Puja – Sri Lanka’s national dance.