This would be long.
Before, I left Ceylon each one was given a treat and each one was shown the weakness within him and how to address that particular weakness, expecting them not to see me for long time, in Ceylon.
I said NPP would come to power and adjust accordingly but do not expect much in return, without giving my reasons.
I have a few rules.
1. No gossips with me while driving.
Any conversation is before he starts.
End the trip usually with a good comment appreciating his contribution.
No bad comments but say directly I would not go with him again.
2. How long it takes and the route he is taking. Look at whether he has a wrist watch.
3. No smell of alcohol.
4. No offloading of stuff on his way.
One job A to B to C and drop.
If return is required the time to come back.
5. Has he got another job immediately after.
6. Never ask the charge.
He always gets extras and sometimes delicious food he has never eaten.
7. Some guys say no at the beginning.
Mainly due to personal reasons (not having license, other regular odd jobs including school children, won't go in front of the police station or does not care a bit for rules stated above).
Each particular guy has his own characteristics.
I have one guy who is very loyal and never cheat. Over time he has gained confidence. He does other odd jobs for me. He was the one who dropped me off at the hotel and help me with the luggage. He would have come to the airport if not for my friend. He waited for my friends arrival. He was bit late but within the safe zone.
He was booked a room but he decided to come in the morning instead.
1. One guy is a fast tracker.
I always have to say slow down. I pick him for long trips and when keeping appointments.
2. Another guy does it for his daily alcohol. He used to be a good worksman.
Alcohol addiction has ruined him and his family. He had all the signs of chronic alcoholism including confabulation.
3. Majority has no additional skills.
4. One guy has lost everything including his three wheeler. When desperate he come asking for money.
He was allowed to come on Sundays if he needs money.
5. One guy was a total addict and drunk during working hours. He was disposed to his home town in Galle well before any misadventure.
6. Another guy used to do odd jobs and was very reliable. He used to do snooping knowing that I was about to leave. I dropped him 3 months before my departure. It is none of his business to snoop around which every three wheeler does.
7. Another guy, I suspected was a gambling addict.
8. Another guy who used to take my wife on her enrolls was an ace gossip king, which I could tolerate.
But what put me off was on one of my tours he did 3 or 4 of his private scheduled work from Kandy to way back home.
I counted each one of them.
At the end, I said I want call him again.
He was very surprised.
I told him my job first and your jobs last.
He pick the route also to suit his jobs.
I am going to tell my wife, too.
Please NO, Sir.
I said it is my right.
He understood.
Each one of them in a professional way, I told their good and bad habits.
It is called constructive criticism.
In that respect, we are very bad as a Nation.
That is why our three wheeler drivers so bad. This is true of NPP MPs. They cannot take criticism in correct perspective.
In a different note, this election produced a lot of YouTube guys and girls. They are running short of political ideas.
This piece and other pieces here are for them to pick up and talk about consumer related issues.
I am not in Ceylon and give a damn to what happens in Ceylon and won't tune into their programs come year, 2025.
So if you pick a guy for traveling be choosy.
I have a few more memorable incidents.
One was an accident.
I have just taken my daughter a Sunday, tuition class. It was a quiet day.
I walked down street and turned to cross the pedastrian crossing.
A three wheeler guy hit me on the leg hard and did a football summersault to prevent my head hitting the cement payment. The three wheeler knock was so hard on the rebounce, I hit my chin on the pavement.
I had a thundering earache. I came around to the driver side and took the man by his neck and said I will kill you, if you do not take me home now.
I meant it and he said that I will take you to the hospital. I told the guy I am a doctor and if wish to die in my home not in hospital. I gave him strict instruction to my house and told him not to open the mouth until we reach home.
Drive safely.
Came home and paid him twice and said not to see me for 2 years, lest I clout you on the head. He is not allowed to play WARD street for two years.
For two years, I did not get into another Three Wheeler.
I did go to the Three Wheeler Station and see him again after 2 years and said, it is OK the Court Order is over now.
I did not see him again.
Other story, is related to all the Three Wheelers.
Till lately, untily retirement I used to walk down to the bus station. I had the habit of walking onto to the mainroad from the side road abruptly.
Right in front of the road is Mr. Hameed's House. He used to get up early and goes to the Mosque everyday. Them he sits in front of the road watching passersby, especially me.
He shoults hard and stopped me running to a speeding vehicle.
This over 1000 times.
He saved my life many a times.
The sad part was he was knocked downed and killed by a motorcycle rider at 4.30AM in the morning. The guy broke his legs and I did not want to see this boy ever. He killed the guy who saved my life many a time. It took some time for coroner's inquiry and the body to be brought home.
Yes, tears fell down my eyes.
I could not stop.
I have a stiff lips and dry eyes having been a pathologist but this guy made big difference.
I wish him to be in heaven.
The rules mentioned above followed these two catastrophes.
I stopped coming down to the raod after coronavirus pandemic.
Since, then Three Wheelers had to come and pick me at home. I used to go out less but paid them handsomely.
Ownership of Three Wheelers
This part has direct relevant to plight of most of the three wheeler drivers.
These I have heard but not varified.
A boy Mafia guy owns most of the three wheelers in a particular area. This a side industry.
He used to hire them for daily fee. It used to be Rs. 250/=.
Now must be Rs.1000/=.
They have to make Rs.3000/= a day, just to survive.
That is why fares are very high.
Driver takes everything out from the passenger.
Only a very few have three wheeler on his own but he has to pay the monthly Finace.
It is a dead end industry.
Besides, only a limited number is allowed in a particular station.
There is another mafia there.
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