Richard Boyle interviews Grataien Prize winner Prashani Rambukwella, author of Mythil´s Secrets. Since superstition is an important facet in Sri Lanka, Prashani Remvukwella, a Sri Lanka-born writer currently working in Hongkong has used yakas, or devils as a central ingredient of her children´s novel, Mythil's Secret (2009).
Mythil couldn't bear it. 'Who's there?' he called out. Even though he told himself that there were no poachers his voice still came out all shaky. 'Come out and show yourself,' he said, trying to make his voice sound steadier. 'Come out! Do you hear me? I want to see you.'
Silence.
Then he caught a movement above his head. With a gasp he spun away from the tree and looked up into the branches. Perched on the fork of a branch overhead, crouched and ready to spring was a … was a … what was it? Matted and tangled hair framed a dark grimy face, barred teeth and bulgy eyes.