HUNDREDS of people from across north west London came to Harrow on Sunday to celebrate the Sri Lankan New Year.

Harrow Leisure Centre was the venue for the largest celebration of its kind in the country, with a day of songs, dancing, and festivities.

The event, between 11am and 10pm, was a big day for the Sri Lankan communities in South Harrow, Rayners Lane, and Wembley, but also drew in residents from across the capital.

Among the guests who lit candles to mark the new year celebrations were Harrow MP Tony McNulty, Tory candidate for Brent North Harshadbhai Patel, and Conservative hopeful in Hendon Matthew Offord.

Mr Offord said: “It was a pleasure to attend the New Year celebrations and see traditional dancing and celebrations for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

“This is one of the most important Sri Lankan festivals and brings together all communities.”