Sri Lankan automobile expert and off-roading pioneer Mitchell Perera, a veteran marshal of the Gulf News Fun Drive in the UAE, has died in Dubai at the age of 59.
Perera, popularly known as Mitch, died on Wednesday (November 4) following complications after undergoing open-heart surgery on August 14, his family told Gulf News.
He had been receiving treatment in a Dubai hospital since August and remained in intensive care following the surgery. His condition reportedly involved breathing difficulties, kidney dysfunction and lung complications. He later developed internal bleeding despite showing signs of improvement during rehabilitation.
According to his family, Perera was diagnosed with a leaking heart valve after being admitted to hospital when his blood sugar levels rose to 400.
A prominent figure in the UAE’s off-roading and camping community, Perera had been associated with the Gulf News Fun Drive for decades.
He first participated in the event in 1986, its inaugural year, as a navigator alongside his father, Chris Perera, who served as a marshal. He became a marshal himself in 1987 after obtaining his driving licence and qualifying as a certified desert driver.
Over the years, he also served as communications controller and project leader for several editions of the annual event, playing a key role in its organisation and success.
His family said his wife and son, who live in Germany, are expected to travel to Dubai to pay their final respects before his remains are repatriated to Sri Lanka for the funeral, expected to take place next week.
The Sri Lankan Consulate in Dubai is assisting with the repatriation arrangements.
He is survived by his wife and son, as well as his elderly parents in Sri Lanka.