The Sinhalese migrated to Malaya in the second half of the 19th Century, from the island of Sri Lanka mainly due to their competence and talent in skilled work, trade and administrative experience in the government and railways.

The main society representing the community’s socio-welfare interests in the country is the Malaysian Sinhalese Association (MSA), which was formed in 1939. P.H. Hendry played an important role to gather the community. The inaugural meeting was presided by was Francis Cooray who later was elected the first President . Other founder members included K.A. Albert, G.K. Sediris Appuhamy, Duncan Perera and William Fernando.

The registered address of the MSA is 123, Jalan Berhala, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur. It is a small office allocated to the MSA, courtesy of the Sasana Abhiwurdhi Wardhana Society (SAWS) of the Buddhist Maha Vihara, Brickfields.

The MSA has contributed towards the socio-welfare framework in the country with fund raising dinners and food fairs for worthy causes locally and abroad. Among the worthy causes locally included support for flood victims in Taman Sri Muda, medical aid and cyclone relief fund for Sri Lanka. MSA has also rendered support to foreign workers stranded In Malaysia, who have been cheated by agents. The MSA has also raised funds to assist children studying in Tamil schools.  Education grants were also awarded to students in the community who excelled in the PMR, SPM and STPM examinations.

Through the years since its formation, the Association has played an integral part in keeping the Sinhala community in Malaysia together through various social, welfare and sports activities. The Sinhala Gala Nite is an annual get together aimed at bringing the Sinhala diaspora spread across Malaysia together to enjoy a night of community fellowship.  

The Association promotes education for the community and operates a Scholarship Fund for deserving Sinhala students.  The aim of the Association is also to publish periodicals and newsletters for the community. Currently, the Association publishes Sinhalayo a quarterly publication for members of the Association. The publication aims to keep members abreast of community activities and provides updates.