Question 1

How long does repatriation from Kandy take?

Accepted Answer

Repatriation from Kandy, Sri Lanka typically takes 14-28 days in a straightforward case. The process follows standard Sri Lanka procedure: local funeral director handles embalming and documentation, cargo departs from CMB airport. Complex cases involving post-mortem can take 4-8 weeks.

Question 2

Who do I contact first when someone dies in Kandy?

Accepted Answer

When someone dies in Kandy, contact a specialist repatriation company and the embassy or consulate of the person's own country as soon as possible. The specialist will coordinate with a licensed local funeral director in Kandy and notify the relevant local authorities. Avoid instructing a local funeral director directly before engaging a specialist, as this can complicate documentation.

Question 3

Which airport does repatriation cargo fly from in Kandy?

Accepted Answer

Repatriation cargo from Kandy typically departs from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Cargo is transported as human remains on full-service commercial airlines. Budget carriers such as Ryanair and easyJet do not carry human remains.

Question 4

What documents are needed for repatriation from Kandy?

Accepted Answer

The required documents for repatriation from Kandy include: local death certificate, embalming certificate, freedom from infection certificate, passport of the deceased, and airline cargo documentation. The local funeral director in Kandy will obtain most of these on the family's behalf. Documentation typically takes 7-14 days.

Local funeral director	Set by the firm handling the case in Kandy
Air freight from CMB	Turns on routing and how often flights go
Investigation	A post-mortem or inquest adds mortuary time
Reception at home	Depends on the receiving funeral home

Repatriation from Kandy, Sri Lanka

Deaths in Kandy: local context

Common circumstances

Airport cargo

Flights and routing

Local considerations in Kandy

Hospitals and forensic services in Kandy

Hospitals

Forensic mortuary

Repatriation from Kandy: how it works

Embassy contact

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