A severed human head was found washed ashore on a beach behind a popular tourist hotel in Moragalla, Aluthgama, police said.

According to police, the discovery was made following a telephone call received this morning (23), prompting officers from the Aluthgama Police to visit the scene and launch investigations.

Police said the remains are believed to belong to a male individual, although the identity of the victim has not yet been established.

Further investigations are being carried out by the Aluthgama Police.