The present translation Of the Bahiranidana was more or less completed as far back as 1956, but for various reasons its publication had to be delayed. I had earlier requested Dr. G. C. Mendis to write an historical introduction from a historian's point of View. His retirement from the University of Ceylon and the consequent departure from Peradeniya finally resulted in the idea being given up. He, however, made available to me a manuscript containing a translation to part of the Bahira nidana. Wherever possible it was made use of. I thank him for suggesting to me to make this translation, particularly on account of its being a useful source-book for the early history of Buddhism in Ceylon.