“THE GYPSIES’ KUSSIYA” – By Des Kelly

It was in 1973 (or was it 72 ?), I remember this Gentleman named Anton Perera inviting me to his most beautiful home in Ratmalana, to audition his young Gypsy Band. I was on my first trip back home, from Melbourne, where I was resident from 1962, and, for the first time I met this remarkable man who had founded the Gypsies, giving his sons, including the late, great Sunil Perera every given opportunity of forming this band, organizing a fully equipped basement “studio” where Sunil and the boys could practice their musical repertoire in the hope of becoming a most famous Sri Lankan Band. Anton Perera paid for everything required, including a salary for each member of the Gypsies, for the hours spent each day, just to achieve the high standards of musical ability he wanted of them. He really was an amazing Father, and when he heard that I was back in Town, he wanted me to watch and listen to his band and then inform him as to whether I thought they could perform abroad.

I was invited by him, to do this, only because he knew my name, and the experience I already had, as an entertainer, both in Lanka and in Melbourne.

I accepted his kind invitation and agreed to this honorary task, went to Ratmalana and actually sat down with Anton, to listen to Sunil, who was, in my opinion, already the best (most active) member of the group, who were quite good at what they were doing, but still not experienced enough to do their shows abroad, and this is what I said to my host, on the day. I said to Anton, “Give these guys about an year or two, and they could well be good enough to play their music anywhere in the World”

Anton thanked me, and I was happy to hear that this was indeed the case.

At this particular time, I felt that, although there was nothing wrong with the music they played, Sri Lankan bands were “very backward in coming forward”, to put it mildly. Only Sunil, of the young Gypsies had any “go” in him.

A few years later, under the guidance of Sunil and his dad, bless their souls, things became very different, and as I had predicted, the Gypsies began performing abroad very successfully.

Now, I proudly introduce the actual kitchen (KUSSIYA) of the Gypsies, actually recorded in Ratmalana, still, their home base, and feel sure that this video will be enjoyed by each and every e’Lanka member~&, or reader. We remember Sunil & his band, with pride, and I am also very proud indeed, of the Showbiz guys & gals of Sri Lanka at present. They are all doing very well, both locally and abroad. Thank you Anton Perera, for everything you did for your now famous Gypsies. We will never forget you.

Desmond Kelly