The remand of a Sri Lankan man arrested in connection with the death of a Bangladeshi man at a landfill has been extended by 45 days.

Police said 32-year-old Heshan Maduranga Disanayaka Menika, who operated the excavator which caused the death, was arrested under a court order.

Police believe 24-year-old Amin Mia died after being hit on the head by the excavator at the Thilafushi landfill on January 26.

The police sought to detain Heshan for the duration of the trial, but the judge extended his remand by 45 days.

Police said the CCTV footage clearly shows Amin being hit on the head with the excavator, but Heshan continued operating the excavator.

Police believe he operated the excavator improperly and are accusing him of homicide.

Based on a witness testimony, police said he had tried to flee and was working in the Maldives without the valid permits.

Although the incident occurred on January 26, the search operation intensified two days later, on January 28, and Amin's body was found under the garbage that day.

It is unclear why the Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) delayed reporting his disappearance to the police.