Funerals are not only tragic, but can also be a very expensive occasion. Once the shock of the passing of a loved one has calmed somewhat, there are quite a few things that one has to be prepared for. Firstly, a doctor is called in to ensure that there has been no foul play involved. Then the body is transported to the hospital for a final analysis and to determine whether an autopsy is needed or not. (Most people in Sri Lanka, opt out of the autopsy experience.) Then it is up to the family to decide which parlour the funeral should be held in. Death certificates can be obtained via the funeral parlour one chooses.
A.F. Raymond’s, Barney Raymond’s, Jayaratne Funeral Home and Mahinda Panagoda Funeral Home are four of many well reputed funeral parlours in and around Colombo. Whereas Mahinda Panagoda Funeral Home is located in Thalangama, near Battaramulla, Jayaratne Funeral Homes, A.F. and Barney Raymond’s Funeral Homes are located close to the famous cemetery in Borella. The prices for their funeral packages and what each package entails vary and may be surprisingly costly.
A.F. Raymond
A.F. Raymond’s prices for their funeral packages fall between Rs. 380,000 and Rs. 750,000. There is a breakdown of prices in between these two, namely Rs. 450,000, Rs. 525,000, and Rs. 600,000 respectively. A.F. Raymond’s is well known and has been in operation since 1885; in fact it is the oldest funeral home in Sri Lanka. A.F. charges the most among the four being analyzed, mainly for the good reputation they have maintained for over 130 years. They offer a range of funeral services like embalming, different kinds of cars which can be utilized for the funeral procession, the type of casket used for the departed, decorations for the funerals such as fresh flower arrangements and catering, if any, as well as refreshments.
Barney Raymond
Barney Raymond’s charges Rs. 200,000 across the board, however, certain items could be added to this price which can increase the total cost quite a bit. For example, though transport (within Colombo city limits) and embalming, as well as 4 days for the display of the body are included for Rs 200,000, (A.F. Richmond’s offers 2 days) there are some things which cost extra. If one uses the A/C room, for example, each day costs an extra Rs. 50,000. If the deceased lived outside of the Colombo city limits (Colombo 01 and Colombo 15), then there is a charge of Rs. 10,000 for transport.
Jayaratne Funeral
Jayaratne Funeral Home located in Borella has three basic prices within Colombo. For a non-AC room, one day showing, embalming and coffin, the charge is LKR 280,000. For a one day AC room showing, the price is LKR 300,000. Their VIP charges start at LKR 450,000 depending on which VIP vehicle, coffin, flowers etc. you choose. If the deceased is located outside of Colombo city limits, charges go up depending on the location.
The Jayaratne Restpect Funeral Home located in Borella has three basic prices within Colombo. For a non-AC room, one day showing, embalming and coffin, the charge is LKR 350,000. For a one day AC room showing, the price is LKR 550,000. Their VIP charges start at LKR 800,000 depending on which VIP
vehicle, coffin, flowers etc. you choose. If the deceased is located outside of Colombo city limits, charges
go up depending on location -approximately Rs.50,000 from house to luxury funeral home. These are all
estimates, however, one would have to discuss personally with the funeral home for specific prices.
Mahinda Panagoda Funeral
Mahinda Panagoda Funeral Home ranges from Rs.60,000 – Rs.350,000. This depends on the type of casket, embalming, vehicle, flower arrangements, as well transport within 15km from the funeral home. The Mahinda Panagoda Funeral Home is a relatively new establishment and offers options such as a British standard embalming process using UK preservatives, fresh flowers as well as the possibility of using a van for transport.
Each funeral is designed according to the religion of the departed; mainly, in Sri Lanka, these are Buddhist, Catholic, Hindu and Muslim. Such items as elephant tusks over the body, oil lamps, crosses, and/or flowers are placed in the parlour according to the instructions of the family.
The obtaining of death certificates, obituary notifications, and even bereavement counseling are offered by some funeral palours. Usually, the family brings the costume to dress the corpse. Professionals in embalming dress and make the body presentable for viewing. Guest lists, invitations as well as a bereavement book can be made available by the funeral homes. Finally, though the prices of funeral homes may seem exorbitant to some, there are still others who are willing to go to any expense for their dearly departed,
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