How do you bring a loved one home from Sri Lanka?

First 24 hours

What should happen in the first 24 hours after a death in Sri Lanka?

Contact police (119) or ambulance (110). Contact British High Commission Colombo.

The most important step is to contact a specialist repatriation company. They will tell you exactly what to do and begin coordinating with local authorities on your behalf.

Timeline

How long does repatriation from Sri Lanka take?

In most cases, repatriation from Sri Lanka takes 14-28 days. The fastest straightforward cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases involving a post-mortem, criminal investigation, or a remote location can extend to 4-8 weeks or beyond.

What makes a case complex?

• Judicial inquiry required for non-natural deaths
• Remote beach/hill country locations
• Monsoon transport disruption

Documentation

What documents are required to bring a body home from Sri Lanka?

All of these documents must be in place before air transport can proceed. Your appointed repatriation coordinator will obtain most of them.

• Death certificate
• Embalming certificate
• Freedom from infection
• Passport

Documentation typically takes 7-14 days to complete.

British Embassy

What does the British Embassy in Sri Lanka do when someone dies?

The British Embassy provides consular assistance, which includes giving you a list of local funeral directors, helping you notify relatives, and advising on local procedures. What the Embassy cannot do is pay for repatriation, organise the funeral director, or make arrangements on your behalf.

Alternative option

Can ashes be brought home from Sri Lanka instead of a full body?

Yes, cremation facilities are available in Sri Lanka. Transporting ashes to the UK requires specific documents and must comply with airline regulations.

Yes with documentation via Middle East hubs.

Getting started

How do you start the repatriation process from Sri Lanka?

Call a specialist repatriation company. Do not wait until all other steps are complete. A specialist can begin the process immediately, even before the local death certificate has been issued.

You will need to provide: the name of the deceased, the location of the body, your contact details, and the name and contact of the local hospital or authority holding the body.