Sri Lanka's music legend Sunil Perera dies at 68 due to COVID-related complications

Due to COVID-19 related complications, Sri Lanka’s music legend Sunil Perera died on September 6 at the age of 68. According to BBC, Perera was one of the stalwarts of Sri Lanka’s baila genre - which is a memento of Portuguese colonisation. He was a part of a band called ‘The Gypsies’ and he wrote and performed songs with catchy tunes and clever lyrics, often about Sri Lankan life and politics. 

Perera’s family informed that the 68-year-old was discharged after recovering from COVID-19 but he had been readmitted a few days ago due to an illness. On Monday morning, he sadly passed away, his family said. Following his demise, tributes have been pouring in for the singer on social media. Among them was former Sri Lankan cricket captain Kumar Sangakkara who tweeted, "A kind, gentle and generous man who moved us with song and rhythm. Small made but giant in influence and heart". Member of Sri Lanka parliament also said, "So sad to hear about #SunilPerera. When he was released from the hospital, I thought, at least one less thing to be sad about. What a great entertainer - and someone who lived his life joyfully and honestly". 

About Sunil Perera

Sunil Perera was born in 1952 and was one of 10 children. His father, an ex-soldier, was the original founder of the band ‘the Gypsies’. Perera later joined along with his brother, eventually taking over. Together, the band released hit after hit, becoming Sir Lanka’s biggest music franchise. Perera was the main vocalist of the band along with his brother Piyal Perera.

According to BBC, Perera was a dynamic figure. He was vocal and opinionated. He openly spoke about topics like sex. He was also vocally against Sri Lanka’s current administration, particularly President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and his brother former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Back in 2015, when the Rajapaksa’s were briefly voted out of power, he said that he feared he would be killed if Mahinda was elected again. 

Perera even spoke out against high-profile murders, like that of journalist Lasantha Wickramatunga. He also criticised political interference against the police. It is worth mentioning that his recent work includes popular songs such as ‘I don’t know why’ which addresses mere sociopolitical issues through humour and 2017’s ‘Koththamalli’.

(Image: Twitter)