The man for all seasons

K. G. N. Peries, or Gamini Peries, was quickly nicknamed “Gabo” Peries at Royal College. I had the privilege to befriend Gabo in the First Form, in 1957. Simply put, to know him was “non solum” an experience but “sed etiam” exciting. He was unique. Anything and everything he touched became exciting, irrepressibly mischievous, and absolutely fun.

Gabo was reticent, outwardly quiet, and always smiling, like a lovely kitten full of surprising tricks. He spent more time standing on his chair than sitting in it, as punishment meted out by class masters.

Gabo was a member of the school cadet platoon, under Manik Jayakumar. The platoon won the coveted Herman Loos Trophy at the All-island Schools Cadet Competition, held in Diyatalawa.

Gabo also attended rugby practice, which was not his forte. His many talents became obvious only after he left Royal.

At Royal, he was a touch judge for a Bradby Under-17 game and ruled a Trinity conversion as “okay” by holding up one hand. But roars from the Royal crowd made him reverse his decision and he lowered his hand.

He started practising his drumming in school, on his Dreadnought instrument box, after Mahesa Fernando bought his trumpet and Charley Gulasekheram bought his clarinet. Gabo bought his famous first drum set and started the Royal College Band, with Nannissara Subesinghe and Sathis Fernando, among others.

After leaving Royal, Gabo acquired a “Masters in Scoundrels”, at two great institutions, the coffee houses Lion House and Mayfair House, in Bambalapitiya, with the likes of Theiventhiram (his best pal), Senaka Abeywicks, Lal Sirimanne, Pachi Nadesan, Kumaran Thamotheran, Neville Fernando and me.

Gabo joined Air Ceylon as a tall, good-looking steward and entertained the passengers with his jokes and tales. He started his band career simultaneously, playing drums for Sam The Man.

Gabo left that famous band to start the beloved Gabo & the Breakaways. They thrilled the crowd at dance halls and social events. Gabo impressed audiences not only with his band music but also with his sheer personality. He could read the mood of the crowd. That was Gabo’s genius – to read the mood and respond to one and all.

Gabo then started Gabo Travel & Tours. He was a pioneer in the local tourism industry. He did this business with his customary charm and aplomb.

He rendered yeoman service to Senaka Amerasinghe’s RC 1957 Group, helping friends and foes alike. He had love and affection for all.

His beloved wife Savi and his family, his beloved RC 57 Group, and his many friends, will miss him, including all who came into contact with “Gabo – The Man For All Seasons.”

May he attain the Supreme Bliss of Nibbana.with love and gratitude to a lovely, fun classmate.