Muttiah published dozens of books on the history of Sri Lanka's left movement

The veteran campaigner for socialist cause bid farewell in London on Friday.

Hector Abeywardene, a founding member of Lanka Samasamaja Party (LSSP), said Muttiah specialised in publishing books on history of Sri Lanka's left movement.

"Not only he published the books but also travelled around to sell them to comrades and supporters," Abeywardene told BBC Sandeshaya.

Left unity

In a condolence message, former LSSP parliamentarian Vasudeva Nanayakkara said: " His sacrifices and dedication for this work was so intensive and rigorous his colleagues stood up in sheer admiration".

I can not think of anybody in the new generation who was passionate about spreading the message through the books like Wesley   Hector Abeywardene

Nanayakkara, leader of the Democratic Left Front in which Muttiah was a ex-Co member added:" Wesley encouraged fresh thinking and new initiatives in the Left Movement with every kind of support. He also championed the cause of Left unity and spared no effort in mobilising resources in which he excelled".

Wesley Muttiah who migrated to England later returned to Sri Lanka where he launched book publishing campaign with late Sydney Wanasinghe.

The pair then went into publishing dozens of books on the struggles led by LSSP.

"I can not think of anybody in the new generation who was passionate about spreading the message through the books like Wesley and Sydney," Hector Abeyawardene said.