Tribute to Sunil Perera Artistes mourn the loss of a legend

It was not difficult to spot the late Sunil Perera on a stage. His striking attire, often comprising a bright coloured jacket, black T shirt, a dazzling cross around his neck and a hat put a smile on every person’s face. His presence mesmerised audiences, not only with his humor but for touching the hearts of his fans with a variety of songs with meaningful lyrics. From ‘Oye Ojaye’ to ‘Lowe Sama’ his songs had a message to all listeners. His demise is mourned by many artistes including those whom he has mentored to those who had shared the stage with him and those who associated with him during his life time. 

“It’s a big loss for the music industry and the whole of Sri Lanka. He was an icon and I knew him since I was a kid because he was my brother’s classmate at St. Peter’s College. We are going to miss him forever. The best times I had with him was during gigs, we laughed and he said a lot of philosophical things and the way he condemned all governments was really fair and that’s my style of a person. I will miss him forever.”  Chitral Somapala 

“I have gone on two tours to USA with The Gypsies and it was fun all the way. Sunil loved my songs and made it a point to join me on stage doing harmony and playing the guitar. When we had the Super Golden Chimes reunion concerts in Sri Lanka he gave his studio for practices and rehearsals for one whole week. I remember asking him what his fee was and the answer he gave really touched my heart.He said “Machan Clarence and the Super Golden Chimes were my heroes and it's a pleasure and a privilege for me to be part of this mega show, I don't want any payment it's all on the house !!” That is the Sunil Perera I knew. A true legend gone too soon. May his soul rest in peace.” Annesley Malewana

“I met Sunil Perera for the first time when his band The Gypsies played for the crowning of Miss Sri Lanka 1975 at the Hotel Lanka Oberoi. I had heard of the band but never seen them so when Sunil made his very sweet congratulatory greetings in his powerful voice, and later personally wished me the very best, I knew I would be seeing him often for many years ahead. That is exactly what happened. I used to be a regular at dances in my youth, and his band was the most sought after!  We both discovered we share the same birthday and about twenty years ago he began a morning ritual of calling me saying in Sinhala, "ah little sister, you and I are a year older ...let's go like this!” ( ah nangi, oyai mai avuruddak naki wuna...ohoma yung,").
Today, his departure  is genuinely mourned by the entire country, including all Sri Lankans overseas and even other nationalities who enjoyed his music and could not resist the need to dance to his beats.”
Angela Seneviratne

“The Gypsies was initially doing Western songs and this was when Clarence Wijewardena and C. T Fernando became popular with Sinhala pop. Gypsies had their own recording studio. It was at this studio that Clarence’s popular hit ‘Sihina Lowak Dutuwa Mathakai’ was recorded. This was what influenced The Gypsies to move into Sinhala songs. Their first song was ‘Linda Langa Sangamaya’ and the first song they recorded for a cassette was ‘Kurumitto’. Thereafter the developments started taking place. The Gypsies and the Super Golden Chimes were two bands that were present at all dinner dances, carnivals that happened at the time. When M. S Fernando came into the music scene his songs inspired the Gypsies to do baila songs. The songs done by The Gypsies revolved around a certain theme. Then they started going overseas for shows and their first trip was to India. Eventually they became popular the world over. Sunil wasn’t just a musician. He was a man of principles. He had some unique values and character. He was well organised. He would be in his office by 9.00-9.30am and would write down the schedule for the day before he started work. They also used to give a percentage of their earnings to charity. In fact he was a complete human being. The vacuum created by him can never be filled. His act was the last in any show because the crowd will not leave without watching his performance. He knew how to adjust to the crowd. It’s a great loss to the Sri Lankan music industry.” 
Damayantha Kuruppu