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 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 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


Rev. Asiri Perera
Retired President Bishop
Methodist Church, Sri Lanka

September 6, 2021

 

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