French language guide, U M Perera, learnt French in a total immersion situation in France, where he was sent, in 1975, by the church, for technical training and to learn animal husbandry. On his return, Perera, worked with some charities in Nuwara Eliya training locals and orphaned children.

To keep his French language skills sharp he joined Connaissance Ceylon Tours in 1992 as a tour guide going on top follow the chauffer guide course in 1999 and counts 11 years in the field. A general guide Perera takes on tours of the archeological sites and is interested in nature trails too.

Passionate about nature, Perera, spends all his free time tending to his home garden.