Sunil Perera death: Sri Lankan pop icon dies aged 68 from Covid-related complications
Veteran Sri Lankan musician Sunil Perera died on Monday (6 September) due to Covid-related complications, according to a family statement. The singer was 68.
The frontman of popular local band Gypsies, Perera had tested positive for Covid last month and was admitted to the intensive care unit of a private hospital in Colombo.
While Perera was discharged after having apparently recovered, news reports say he was readmitted last week.
Tributes to the singer began pouring in shortly after news of his death broke.
Sri Lankan President Gotabaya said Perera’s passing is a “great loss for Sri Lanka’s entertainment scene” and offered condolences to the baila singer’s family.
A great loss for #SriLanka’s entertainment scene as veteran musician Sunil Perera passed away.
My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the people of Sri Lanka. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/pjSha8oy4x— Gotabaya Rajapaksa (@GotabayaR) September 6, 2021
The country’s Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa tweeted that Perera will be “remembered forever” through his music.
Several other politicians, sports personalities and journalists also expressed their profound sadness over the loss of one of Sri Lanka’s most eminent performers.
Former Sri Lankan cricketer Kumar Sangakkara remembered Perera as “a kind, gentle and generous man” who moved the nation with “song and rhythm”. He wrote, “You will sing with the angels now”.
The passing of a legend. A kind, gentle and generous man who moved us with song and rhythm. Small made but giant in influence and heart. An icon but more to me a dear friend. Rest In Peace Sunil Aiya. We will miss you. You will sing with the angels now pic.twitter.com/p387pXb2HM
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) September 6, 2021
Former captain of the Sri Lankan national cricket team Sanath Jayasuriya also paid tribute to a “true legend who entertained us from cradle to grave”, while politician and rights activist Dr Harini Amarasuriya said “the world feels a little less joyful” with Perera’s passing.
Born in 1952, Perera was one of 10 children. The band Gypsies was started by his father, who was an ex-soldier. Afterwards, Perera and his brothers took over.
Perera’s Gypsies would write and perform upbeat, catchy songs about Sri Lankan life and politics that became the mainstay of weddings and celebrations in the country.
The band’s discography dates back to the 1970s and some of their greatest hits include “Oye Ojaaye”, “Lunu Dehi”, “Signore” and “Sumihiri Pane”.
In an interview with the BBC, Sri Lankan social critic and teacher Upul Shantha Sannasgala said Perera was not one to shy away from expressing his views publicly and honestly. In the past, Perera has spoken out against high-profile murders, including of journalist Lasantha Wickramatunga, and was also critical of the country’s current political administration.
"It's 72 years since we got independence, we are indebt to the whole world. Is it the fault of the people, whose fault it is, when we say these things some people look at us with hatred, I don't blame one group I blame the entire set of politicians who ruled us" Sunil Perera pic.twitter.com/g9EKuScXxL
— Azzam Ameen (@AzzamAmeen) September 6, 2021
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