• Responsible for expansion of nightclub culture

By K. Buddhika Kumarasiri- Kaduwela  

Businessman Surendra Wasantha Perera alias Club Wasantha who was killed yesterday was a leading nightclub owner. He is said to be a pioneer of nightclub culture in Sri Lanka.  

He started his life humbly but rose to be a wealthy businessman. He is reported to have worked at a nightclub while reading for his Advanced Level examination. Later, he started nightclub operations one by one, eventually acquiring property both locally and internationally. 

Once he had confessed to a friend that he endured many challenges during his time and even sustained more than 200 cut injuries on his body.   

He had also said that he was compelled to keep ties with underworld figures for his safety and protection of his nightclubs, which are also frequented by such criminals at times. Besides, he had engaged in some charity work helping the poor using money earned from his nightclub operations. He was seen among his friends as a fun-loving person. According to social media reports, he was reported to have worn gold-plated footwear on the wedding day of his children.  

pic By K. Buddhika Kumarasiri