Sri Lankan remanded for murder in New Zealand

A second Sri Lankan man has been remanded in custody on a charge of murdering an Oxford farmer last week.

The man, Vivaj Alahakoon, made a brief appearance in Christchurch District Court before Judge David Saunders, and was remanded without plea to March 13.

He was charged with murdering Sameera Chandrasena, 28, at Oxford last Thursday, and an arson charge which related to Chandrasena's rented house in Domain Road.

Chandrasena was found dead after a fire in the house but police say an autopsy showed he died of injuries consistent with an assault before the blaze.

Alahakoon had a Sinhalese interpreter to assist him in court. He is described as a 33-year-old jeweller who lives in St Albans, Christchurch.

Defence Counsel Kerry Cook made no bail application.

The remand to March 13 is the same as the remand for Thuvan Prawesh Sawal, aged 23, who appeared in court the day before and was also remanded in custody without plea.

The two men have been jointly charged.

Courtesy: Stuff.co.nz