A British man has been found dead under "suspicious circumstances" in a suburb of Sri Lanka's capital.

The 37-year-old, whose name has not been released, was discovered with a wound to his face this morning.

His body was found at a ground in the Araliya Uyana area of Colombo.

Superintendent of Police Ruwan Gunasekara told local media that the British national arrived in Sri Lanka on November 25 and was due to leave the country on New Year's Day.

However the man extended his visa to stay until January 25. His passport was found with his body.

Local media have described the man's death as "suspicious" and "mysterious".

The man's body was found at a ground near a Department of Pensions building in the Maligawatta suburb.

Gunasekara said the man was found with a facial wound and his passport was with his body.

The death was considered "suspicious", Times Online reported.

Forensic officers were seen dusting for fingerprints and looking for other evidence at the scene, it was reported.

A canine unit was also involved in the search.

Mirror Online has contacted the Foreign & Commonwealth Office for comment.

At least two Britons have died in Sri Lanka in recent months

In September, Financial Times journalist Paul McClean, 24, was killed by a crocodile near a popular surfing spot called Elephant Rock, on Sri Lanka's east coast.

McLean, who was on holiday with friends, was washing his hands in a lagoon when he was snatched by the crocodile, witnesses reported.

His body was recovered the following day. (Mirror Online UK)