Sunil Perera no more; condolences pour in

Veteran singer, musician and leader of the very popular band 'Gypsies', Sunil Perera passed away this morning (6) at a private hospital in Colombo, family sources said.

He was 68.

The veteran singer who was earlier treated after he was infected with COVID-19 was able to leave the hospital last week. However, he was admitted again to hospital last night.

Meanwhile condolence messages poured in after the death of Gypsies leader Sunil Perera.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in a twitter message said; "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.”

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said in a twitter message; "The entertainment arena in #SriLanka will never be the same without you. My deepest condolences to the family and friends of the legendary entertainer #SunilPerera. You will be remembered forever through your music. Rest In Peace."

Chaminda Vas said; ''RIP Legendary Sri Lankan Singer Sunil Perera - you will be missed, but we shall cherish his memory and always remember him by his great songs!''

Kumar Sangakkara: "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."

Sanath Jayasuriya: "A sad good bye to Sunil Perera, a true legend who entertained us from cradle to grave. RIP."

Farveez Maharoof: “Innaillahi wainnillahai rajiun! Terrible news to wake up to.  Rest in Peace Sunil uncle. So many good memories & music to remember! You will be missed.”

Thisara Perera: RIP Mr #sunilperera Your Music will live in our hearts forever

Bathiya N Santhush: “Sunil Aiya our legend … you will be forever missed by your family, everyone in the music industry, the entire country, and Sri Lankans living around the world. You were a pillar of strength to BNS during the years we started off! Goodbye our dear aiya, friend and legend !!!!”

NPP MP Dr. Harini Amarasuriya: “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.

He was no saint and he never pretended to be one.  My mother and he were buddies – they would chat on many unlikely topics – mental health, politics, religion and family.

He turned up for my parent’s 50th-anniversary party many years ago and belted out a few bailas much to our delight. His music will continue to bring joy to generations but the world feels a little less joyful with his passing.”

SLFP MP Ali Zahir Moulana: “The end of an era of one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic musicians. Sunil transcended all boundaries, tugging at heartstrings of all Sri Lankans while addressing sociopolitical issues through satire, which earned the ire of some and the love of many. He will be missed. Rest in Peace.”

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa: "I am saddened and shocked by the sudden demise of Sunil Perera, who pioneered a modern day revolution in the musical history of Sri Lanka. He was also my teacher and guru in the musical arena and I am so proud to have been associated with such a unique and talented personality."

Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa: “Saddened to hear of the passing of veteran singer & legend Sunil Perera. He will always be remembered for his iconic voice, energy and the unparallel contribution he made to #LKA's music industry. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family & the music fraternity.”

Mahela Jayawardena: “Such a sad day!!! One of my favourite entertainers and a friend. Sunil Aiya rest in peace. Thank you for all the entertainment and the special song you did for my retirement.. will never forget…”

Russel Arnold: “So many memories..will be missed #RIP Sunil ayya”

Angelo Mathews: "You entertained generations, spoke to us through your music, showed us how to live happily, taught us to show love. Unity was your Message, Peace was your mission. You may lay in silence but your legacy will forever speak to us through the music you bestowed upon us. #RIP"

SJB MP Eran Wickremaratne: "Today we mourn another loss as we bid adieu to a phenomenal artist and unifying personality, Sunil Perera."

ITAK MP Rasamanickam R. Shanakiyan: "RIP Sunil Perera. A true legend .... In a divided country you helped unite everyone with your music."

Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella: "Today an #lka legend succumbed to #COVID19SL. Despite the tragedy, I'm grateful to #SunilPerera for the countless hours of wonderful memories & entertainment. My condolences to the family for their loss. #RIP"

State Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara: "I was saddened to hear the demise of #SunilPerera, a vibrant personality and a unique #SriLankan. May he Rest in Peace! My condolences to his family and friends."

Ruwan Kalpage: "Good bye Legend, You will always be in our hearts".

Australia’s Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs Jason Wood:

“The legendary Sri Lankan Sunil Perera, leader of the famous Gypsies band, (one of the biggest all time musical bands from Sri Lanka) sadly passed away at the age of 69. Our deepest sympathies and condolences are with his family, friends and the Sri Lankan community who are in mourning today. RIP Sunil Perera.”

“We thank you, Sunil for the massive contribution you make to Sri Lankan music and the impact you also had on the Australian Sri Lankan community. As the Assistant Minister for the multicultural community, I am aware of the importance of Sunil Perera to our Australian Sri Lankan community,” Wood added.