Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Sri Lanka to Ireland
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Sri Lanka to Ireland: what to expect
Repatriation from Sri Lanka to Ireland has significant Sri Lankan-Irish diaspora connections. Documentation runs through the Registrar General's Department and typically takes 7-14 days. The Irish Embassy operates from New Delhi with responsibilities covering Sri Lanka.
- Key document: Death certificate (with certified English translation) from Registrar General's Department
- Documentation takes 7-14 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Irish consular matters for Sri Lanka are handled via the Irish Embassy in New Delhi.
The process
The repatriation process from Sri Lanka
Contact police (119) or ambulance (110). Deaths must be certified by a registered medical practitioner. Unexpected deaths require police notification. Death registered at the local Registrar General's Department. The death certificate is issued in Sinhala with an English translation available.
Step by step
Timeline: Sri Lanka to Ireland
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Dept of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +353 1 408 2000.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered at Registrar General's Department
Death certificate in Sinhala. English translation required for Irish purposes.
Local funeral director and Registrar General
Irish Embassy New Delhi notified (covers Sri Lanka)
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation
Embalming required for international repatriation.
Licensed local funeral director
All export permits obtained
Allow 7-14 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) to Dublin (DUB)
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Irish funeral director takes custody. Coroner notified.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Ireland
When the body arrives in Ireland
The Irish funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All Sri Lankan documentation must be in certified English. The Coroner for the district is notified. Straightforward cases proceed to funeral arrangements without delay.
Consular support
Department of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +353 1 408 2000. Irish consular matters for Sri Lanka are handled by the Irish Embassy in New Delhi.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Sri Lanka to Ireland
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Sri Lanka to Ireland takes 14-28 days. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases involving investigation or death in a remote area can take 4-8 weeks.
Irish consular matters for Sri Lanka are handled by the Irish Embassy in New Delhi, India. Contact the Department of Foreign Affairs emergency line (+353 1 408 2000) who will connect you with the appropriate consular officer.
The core documents are: death certificate (with certified English translation), embalming certificate, freedom from infection certificate, and passport of the deceased.
Notify the Department of Foreign Affairs emergency line (+353 1 408 2000) and a repatriation specialist on the day of death. Do not instruct a local funeral director independently before engaging a specialist.
The Irish funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All Sri Lankan documentation must be in certified English. The Coroner for the district is notified. Straightforward cases proceed to funeral arrangements without delay.
Yes. Cremation in Sri Lanka and bringing ashes home to Ireland is an option. You will need the death certificate, cremation certificate, and export permit.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Sri Lanka, please do not face this alone. Our team will guide you through every step of bringing them home.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, official embassy contacts, and professional repatriation experience. Updated June 2026.
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Sri Lanka repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions