Sinhala Keyboard FAQ

Why doesn't the Sinhala Keyboard function in my home PC (it meets all system requirements) ?

If your operating offline and the browser your using is internet explorer (IE), you need to allow JavaScript to run (other browsers e.g. Chrome, Firefox, etc. run the script automatically without prompting). When a page containing JavaScript opens in IE9 a popup box appears at bottom of window with some content and "allow block content" button. Click the button to allow script to run. In IE8 a bar (yellow) pops up at top of the window with some content. Right click the bar and select "allow blocked content". If your PC doesn't have Sinhala language support the application should function, but you won't be able to view the script characters. The unsupported characters would appear as generic rectangular blocks. Sinhala language support is provided in MS Windows Vista and later versions of Windows. If your operating system is Xp or prior you are required to install Sinhala language support from an external source (such as: http://www.siyabas.lk/sinhala_how_to_install.html). If the answer to your issue isn't provided in our site, contact us and we will attempt to find a solution.

How did you come up with the latest Sinhala script key arrangement ?

It is our belief that the latest version is an improvement from the previous versions (namely versions 1.0 and 1.1). Version 1.0 was arranged in the order the characters are listed in the Unicode charts. Consonants which are frequently used in the Sinhala script appears to be scattered throughout second and third rows. In the subsequent arrangements we tried to place frequently used consonants relatively close to each other, thus reducing the necessary mouse movement and increasing typing speed. Version 1.1 was comparable to the SLS 1134 keyboard layout. Keys which were activated once shift key is pressed ('upper case' keys in the physical keyboard) are also included. They were positioned vertically adjacent to corresponding 'lower case' keys. The proximity of the frequently used consonants in version 1.1 are possibly at their optimum. However, keyboard was very compact and complex, rendering it difficult to get accustomed to. Version 1.2 was significantly simplified, but retained some qualities of the earlier version. Positioning of the frequently used keys are comparable to the SLS 1134 layout and vertically above them are the corresponding 'upper case' keys. Vowel and sign keys are positioned in rows above and below the rows containing the consonants.

Why are ්‍ර and ්‍ය are defined as special sign ?

The above mentioned signs aren’t available in the current Unicode character charts. They were integrated to the Sinhala keyboard via an alternate method to the other script keys in the Sinhala alphabet. In the context of our keyboard they are 'special', but in general they are not atypical.

I don’t understand some of the terms you use within the site. E.g. em, px ?

We endeavour to provide you with sufficient information for you to understand the content in our website. If you do require additional information you can contact us and we will attempt to elaborate on the information provided.