THE

MAHÁ WANSO

IN ROMAN CHARACTERS,

WITH THE

Translation Subjoined;

AND AN

INTRODUCTORY ESSAY

ON

PÁLI BUDDHISTICAL LITERATURE.

IN TWO VOLUMES.

VOL. I.

CONTAINING THE FIRST THIRTY EIGHT CHAPTERS.

BY THE HON. GEORGE TURNOUR Esq.

CEYLON CIVIL SERVICE.

Ceylon:

COTTA CHURCH MISSION PRESS.

TO

GENERAL, SIR EDWARD BARNES, G. C. B.

LATE GOVERNOR AND COMMANDER IN CHIEF IN CEYLON.

SIR,

In dedicating this volume to you, as the Governor of Ceylon, to whom I am chiefly indebted for the opportunities and facilities which were afforded to me, to prosecute the research which has led to this publication, I cannot allow so appropriate an occasion to pass without assuring you, that I bear in distinct and gratified recollection the many obligations conferred upon me, as well in your private as your public capacity, during the long period I had the honor of serving under you in this colony.

With sentiments, therefore, of the sincerest respect and regard, I subscribe myself,

KANDY, CEYLON, 31 May, 1837.

Your very faithful and obliged servant,

GEORGE TURNOUR.