Ebook: A Sinhalese-English Dictionary

Publisher: Colombo, Wesleyan mission press
Date: 1892
Pages: 824The first edition of this work was published in 1830. It proved to be most valuable to students of the Sinhalese language. The book has for many years been out of print and copies have been obtained only at very high prices. The issue of a newedition has therefore been long felt to be necessary ; but the preparation of it involved a great amount of labour and rendered delay unavoidable. The work was begun by the Kev. George Baugh but the greater part was executed by the Rev. Robert Tebb. After these missionaries left Ceylon the whole has been very carefully revised and no pains have been spared to ensure accuracy. As it has been difficult to find time amid
more pressing claims for this work, it is hoped that the delay which has occurred and also any errors and omissions which may be discovered will be regarded leniently. It has not been as a labour of love, but as the discharge of what appeared to be a public duty in the supply of a long felt want, that the execution has been persevered iu. The entire book has had the careful supervision of the eminent Pandit, Bartholomew Gnuaskara Esquire, Mudaliyar, of the Colonial Secretary's Office. At his suggestion a number of Pali and Sanskrit words which appeared in the first edition have been omitted in this, as they did not in any sense belong to the Sinhalese language. But many other words have been added, and the total number of words in this volume
will, it is believed, be much greater than the number included by Mr. Clough. We are much indebted to Mr. Gunasekara for the care and time he has devoted both to the revision of the copy and the correction of the proof sheets, and we are sure that those who use the book may rely with confidence on the results of his labours.