Gunasekara Abraham Mendis. A Comprehensive Grammar of the Sinhalese Language

Publication date: 1999
Number of pages: 515A Comprehensive Grammar of the Sinhalese Language.
The absence of a comprehensive Grammar of the Sinhalese Language suited to the requirements of English readers suggested to me some years ago the desirability of preparing such a work.
The manuscript was completed in June, 1885. In 1888 sanction was obtained for its being printed at the Government Press. Since then various causes have delayed its issue.
Whatever leisure I have been able, as a Government Official, to devote to literary work, has not been spared in a conscientious endeavour to render the book worthy of its object, I humbly trust that my efforts have not been altogether unsuccessful.
In the preparation of the present Grammar I have availed myself of several works on Sinhalese Grammar, by both ancient and modern authors. It has been written in a form best adapted to suit those who are familiar with European Grammars. Owing to the multiplicity of examples and explanations, and the introduction of some matter not perhaps strictly appertaining to the province of a Grammar, but likely to be of use, its scope has exceeded the bounds originally contemplated.