A Sri Lankan man arrested in Auckland in relation to the murder of his former partner in Switzerland nearly 14 years ago will remain in custody, New Zealand media stated.

The man made a brief appearance in the Auckland District Court today (2) early afternoon local time.

The 42-year-old was arrested on August 26 on behalf of the Swiss government and has been wanted for the murder in Switzerland since the death of his former partner, Kavitha Kandiah, 23, in Basel in Dec 2000.

No bail application was made today, but it is expected one will be made at his next appearance later this month along with an application for continued name suppression.

The man had arrived in New Zealand in February 2001 using false identification and travel documents and was granted New Zealand citizenship in 2004.

However, on his arrest, he was also served with a letter from the Department of Internal Affairs advising him that the minister of internal affairs might deprive him of his New Zealand citizenship, the statement said.

New Zealand had no extradition arrangement with Switzerland, but police, through Interpol, had been working with Swiss authorities since confirming the man`s identity and living arrangements in Auckland in late 2011. Police was expected to start the process of his repatriation to Switzerland where he lived from 1990 until late 2000.