Abstract:
’Hansaakshara' is a Sinhala manuscript writing style that has the features of an abstract swan
(Hansaya = Swan). The letters are very precise and round in shape and contain a swash at its terminals. The
research addresses the need to create a Sinhala typeface to preserve and promote Sinhala manuscript
writing, and its application as a digitized typeface, by protecting the visual perception of the traditional
Manuscript. The research looked to manuscript samples collected from Buddhist temples and the National
Museum of Sri Lanka and was conducted as experimental research. It tested the readability of visuals
refered to comprehension and visual comfort in reading long text passages. The research was conducted'in
four stages. The author begins by defining the theoretical ground, and the importance of preserving and
promoting an ancient Sinhala manuscript writing style as a typeface, and a discussion on the boundaries of
this project. The second part introduces the framework of analysis developed for recording the relevant
design features of the manuscript type to use as a model. in the third phase, the author applies the
framework to the 10 selected 'Hansakshara’ manuscripts. The fourth phase introduced the process of
reviving the manuscript type. Although the author focuses on defining a process for designing a Sinhala
manuscript-type revival, the suggestions were applicable further than the scope of a Sinhala—type revival
project. The method ensured a strong connection to the original source while also providing considerable
assistance in understanding how to take inspiration from historical types of writing styles in a
contemporary context. This project also documents several findings regarding traditional typeface design.
