Gypsies’ leader, Sunil Perera has gone away from us due to Covid 19. I write these few lines on how I as a Clergyman would like to remember this great entertainer of our times. I need not write long lines to talk about his contribution to the music stage in Sri Lanka, as it is very well known. But I mention here a few things that I appreciated in him as an entertainer.
Sunil was one of those who are rare to find – a person who
would call spade a spade. He did it using the gift of music, singing and
entertainment which had a strong appeal to the audience to take a serious note
of the evil in society which many have ignored for their safety. He paid the
price for such revelations he made when he was physically harmed by those who
got exposed through Sunil’s songs. But some remained silent when their weakness
was mentioned directly and openly right in front of their eyes through a
Baila sung by Sunil. At a concert in the BMICH I witnessed him singing
the famous baila “Apata Kiyanna”. He introduced this new song mentioning the
failure of the Sri Lankan Politicians. Sunil’s eye caught a leading politician
in the audience and blurted the name of the person saying “…….he has also failed”.
But I never heard of the said politician taking revenge on him.
Sunil’s entertainment carried a strong element of desire for
Peace and Unity in Sri Lanka. “ලොවේ
සැමා එකම දැයේ දූ
දරුවන් වේවා” during the time of the
ethnic conflict in our country was embraced by Children because it had a strong
appeal to them who are the future of Sri Lanka. In his media interviews, he
criticized those who caused division and descension due to ethnicity and
religion - the Clergy of all four religions were also criticized by him. He
always took the example of the Statues of Jesus and Buddha kept together in his
home because of the Christian Buddhist mix in his marriage and say “Jesus and
Buddha ඒ දෙන්නා ගහගන්නේ නැතුව ඔය හොදට සමාදානෙන්
ඉන්නේ” This example
made everyone laugh, but there was an appeal for people of different religions
to live in harmony without attacking each other.
During our School days at Carey College, a few of us started
a pop music group called “Blue Maroons” to play at School functions. Sunil very kindly opened the Gypsies Studio
at Ratmalana for us to practice with their instruments, free of charge. From
this I learnt that Sunil did not keep his talent to himself but was willing to
advise, encourage and share his insights for other young musicians to grow. I
am sure many talented musicians in our country have been blessed by Sunil’s
encouragement
When travelling around the country attending different
Church events most of our return journeys were in the late evenings. Our
tiredness and even sleepiness had to be overcome to reach home safely. Most of
the Bailas I played in the vehicle came from Sunil and the Gypsies. I use to
sing and even shake my body a little bit to the singing while Samantha, my
faithful driver kept up the speed. Sunil as a free thinker had his religious
views which were different to most of us. However, the last two songs he sang
after his recovery (I believe) “Why me Lord” and “සමිදුන් දුටු
ඒ දිනේ” speaks of an inward
experience he seems to have had in his time of illness for which we can be
thankful to God.
May his wife, Children, Grand Children and the family be
consoled in God’s Love!
Go forth Sunil with Joyful singing
upon thy journey from this world
May thy portion this day be in peace
and thy dwelling in the heavenly Jerusalem. Amen
Retired President Bishop
Methodist Church, Sri Lanka
September 6, 2021
👍🙏
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