A Briton aged 27 years and believed to be of Arab Israeli origin was killed, after being attacked with a sharp object and shot in a restaurant at Tangalle town.

The deceased named Kuram Shaikah Zaman was employed with the International Red Cross at Gaza city. He was trying to pacify a quarrel, during which he was assaulted.

Victoria Alexandrovna, Kuram's 23 year old girlfriend from Russia was also attacked during the quarrel.

The SriLankan police have arrested a local government body chief in connection with the killing.

The chief of the Tangalle Pradeshiya Sabha, Sampath Chandrapushpa, aged 24, voluntarily surrendered to the local police. He was later detained by the police for interrogation.

Three more person were also arrested in connection with kuram murder, whch has happened on eve of Christmas.

A spokesman from the foreign office confirmed that a foreign nation has been murdered in SriLanka and necessary information has been passed to his immediate kin.

Tangalle is a renowned tourist destination situated at a distance of 90 km from Colombo. The place is surrounded by charming beaches.