KATHMANDU: Former rector of Tribhuvan University Prof Dr Kamal Prakash Malla passed away today. He was 83.

He had also served as the chief of the English Central Department of the University.

Malla was a renowned linguist and writer and had published over two dozens of books in English and Nepal Bhasha (language). He was the expert of Newari history and language, including writing grammar of the Kathmandu dialect and served as editor-in-chief of a comprehensive dictionary of Classical Newari.

He is survived by his wife, son and daughter.

According to Malla's brother Sundar K Malla, his last rites will be performed in the USA on Tuesday.