Wimalasiri de Mel passes away

Former MP and General Secretary of the Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP) Wimalasiri de Mel passed away yesterday following a heart attack.

MP for Moratuwa in the United Front Government of 1970-77, he was a pioneer member of the LSSP and a stalwart of the Left Movement, a media release issued by the LSSP states.

A militant leader of left politics he also worked tirelessly to protect the rights of the working class and was a dedicated member of the party, the release adds.

He also strove to keep the party intact in times of various internal conflicts and was a tower of strength to the forward journey of the party.

He was 84 at the time of death and a father of one. Due to his wish to donate his body to National Ayurveda Hospital within 24 hours of his death his body will be kept at the LSSP Headquarters at Union Place from 11am to 1pm today (1) for the public to pay their respect.