The Man, the God and the Devil

The Man, the God and the Devil 

Yakka, Deviya and Manussaya

These qualities came only after a heavy booze.

Yakkshaya was the darkest and the loudest guy, I think he came from Ragama. I am not sure whether he came by a motorcycle or walked in after work.

We only had a Morris Minor car and that belonged to the senior most guy who was called the Manussaya, since he allowed anybody to take the car away, provided, the guy puts the juice. The key of the car was placed in an accessible place. Mind you, petrol was very expensive compared to our base salary and only a few could afford a car.

The Deviya was Muslim guy. He certainly had a domestic problem most likely related to his drinking habits. He becomes Godly after the drink which is natural and get into Mantis Mode  or Praying Mode or sometimes almost into flat mode.

Martin was our cook.

I did a study on him when I was managing the meals for the month and found that he had the highest capacity to drink. He used to steal money and buy a quarter bottle which would have been around Rs.2/= to 2,50/=.   

 I gave him Rs.5/= daily as a bonus for his alcohol. 

The food quality improved tremendously during my tenure.

 Martin could drink only after he has finished his cooking.

All the senior guys left for UK, one by one and I never met any of them afterwards.

I left for UK immediately after.

We were transferred to Barnes Place Quarters after our agitations. 

I think it belonged to the Bank of Ceylon and it was rented to the Department of Health to satisfy the residential doctors’ needs.

I never, even took a sip of Arrack during working hours. 

I used to have a beer at Hotel Samudura at Galle Face, once a week on Saturday with a good meal with one of my class mates. 

Sadly he is no more.

The cost was only Rs.10/= for both of us and beer was only Rs.1.80/= a bottle. 

We did not drink Arrack and it would have cost Rs.7.50= to 8 /= per bottle. 

Over the next two decades I became a V.S.O.A drinker which was about Rs.9.50/=. 

Gin and Tonic before a billiard game was late development in the University Faculty Club. 

Currently V.S.O.A. is Rs.4,400/=.