What makes us Different

The oldest family-run business in Sri Lanka.

Oldest family-run Funeral Directors in Sri Lanka.

First internationally recognized Funeral Directors Sri Lanka.

First to introduce modern methods of embalming in Sri Lanka.

First qualified embalmers in the East.

First to obtain international Diplomas in funeral directing in Sri Lanka.

First motorized funeral hearses in Asia.

First to use a “Ranvisige” after the time of the Sinhala kings.

First to introduce the concept of funeral parlours in Sri Lanka.

First to import Volvo hearses to the East.

The only Funeral Directors in the world to undertake work in a foreign country.

4 Good Reasons...

Tailor the funeral ceremony in ANY way you wish. Read more >

No matter how tailored, AFR is committed to helping you create that thoughtful and unique ceremony

Special unorthodox wishes of the deceased/ the family of the deceased
Formal/ informal tone
Grand/ simple ceremony
Burial service/ cremation

For generations, Sri Lankans have turned to us for comforting guidance after the loss of a loved one. We understand that a meaningful ceremony to honor the life and memory of a loved one is an important step in recovering from loss.Which is why such a ceremony can be anything you wish.

Most number of Awards, Memberships & Certifications. Service at International Standards. Read more >

Memberships:

Member of the National Selected Morticians, U.S.A
(now called Selected Independent Funeral Homes) since 1939.

Members of the International Federation of Thanatologists Associations (I.F.T.A.)
an organization devoted to standardizing funeral practices worldwide.

Member of British Institute of Embalmers

Member of The Australian Institute of Embalming

Certifications:

Aubrey V. Raymond , Associate Member of the International Federation of Thanatopractic Associations (A.M.I.F.T.A.)
Maurice F.Raymond,

Member of the British Institute of Embalmers
Member of the Australian Institute of Embalming

Keith A. Raymond J.P

Member of the British Institute of Embalmers
Member of the Australian Institute of Embalming
Diploma in Funeral Directing (National Association of Funeral Directors of the United Kingdom)

Shannon R.S. Raymond

Member of the Australian Institute of Embalming
Member of the British Institute of Embalmers

Awards/Commendations:

Certificate for Leadership through Effective Service an award bestowed by National Selected Morticians U.S.A, for adherence to the principles/practice of the code of good funeral practice, and dedicated service to the community.
Commendation from Metropolitan Police Service, dated 21st January 2005 at New Scotland Yard. Citation reads as follows ; “A.F.Raymond Ltd was commended by the Assistant Commissioner for exemplary professionalism and dedication to the international community and British Police Service following the Tsunami of the 26th December 2004”

Reputation for innovation. Nothing is impossible for us in our endeavor to create the perfect ceremony, that will help you begin the healing process
We are the only funeral directors in the world accredited to perform embalmings in a foreign country

We have pioneered many firsts in Sri Lanka and the world. Here are some interesting examples...

First Jaguar XF Hearse of the entire region

The final journey in memorable style – even if the dear-departed may not be wowed by the stately and sombre procession, for the kith and kin, the friends and acquaintances and even the bystanders it will be unforgettable.

First to introduce Volvo hearses in the 1990s

Recognizing the need for convenience and comfort of the families of the diseased, especially when bodies were transported over long distances; AFR was the first firm to have motorized funeral coaches in Sri Lanka after the era of the horse-drawn funeral carriage.

First qualified embalmers in the East

AFR pioneered embalming in the East, enabling extended funeral ceremonies which were otherwise impossible in the past. Until 1935 when the son of the founder, Leslie Lionel Raymond qualified in Western embalming techniques, bodies were not embalmed in the Eastern part of the world.

First to export hard wood caskets

The 1970s were a time when the country was in dire need of foreign exchange. AFR called to action being the first to exhibit handmade wooden caskets in United States & Canada. We then pioneered the first export of Sri Lankan hard wood caskets to England & the United States.

First exhumation performed in the Maldives 1977

Being the first, naturally there were many matters which needed to be handled delicately, and procedures which needed to be trail blazed. Bodies in the Maldives are wrapped in cloth & buried without caskets, complicating the exhumation further. There were also no cars in the Maldives at that time, so the exhumed body was carried by trolley.

First to fly a body overseas

AFR made headlines as this body was exhumed & flown overseas to Germany for the funeral in 1977.