Celebrating 125 years:

A.F. Raymond launches refurbishment drive

by Lalin FERNANDOPULLE

A. F. Raymond, a leading funeral undertaker in the country has invested over eight million rupees on a refurbishment drive of its office, workshop, staff area and mortuary modernisation in keeping with environment friendly and sustainable development initiatives of the organisation.

The organisation commenced the refurbishment drive in preparation for the celebration of 125 years of unstinted and dedicated service to the country next year.

The Founder of the organisation Arthur Francis Raymond embarked on a laborious mission with the contract awarded by the British Colonial regime in the 1880s to bury the dead at the Infectious Disease and the Mental Health Hospitals in Colombo.

A professional carpenter and dynamic business enterpriser Raymond realised his business will blossom one day to be one of the leading undertakers in the country.

Today A. F. Raymonds has become a household name for their personalised services offered to all segments of society with a special focus on customer centric needs.

Chairman, A.F. Raymond, Aubrey Raymond said the company does not sell a product which is often identified with a casket. We are a service oriented company offering a wide range of services to meet customer requirements.

The organisation has grown to be a complete tailor - made solutions provider from a mere casket manufacturer.Embalming, transportation, catering, bands, reconstruction of the face, counselling, obituaries and graveyard services are some of the services offered.

"The celebration of 125 years is a landmark achievement in the organisation and the key to the success is the commitment of the staff and non discrimination of customers" he said.

"Every customer is considered very important.The best solution will be offered to him.While we cater to the high end market we are also flexible to offer services according to customer needs in line with our vision to be service oriented", Raymond said.

Director, A.F. Raymond, Shannon Raymond said counselling and trauma healing of the bereaved family members has been a prime objective of the services.

"We have been commended for taking away the trauma and making a sad moment a memorable one. Our organisation will ensure that services are not only price based but also provid a relieving experience to people" he said.

Use of imported fluids for embalming, timber, fittings, cushions, lining and settings are done in the same premises supported by a staff of around 60.

"We have around 80-90 funerals per month and today there is a decline in the number of orders due to the growing number of village undertakers. Touting in hospitals is another major challenge for the industry", Raymond said.

A. F. Raymond is the oldest establishment yet functioning as a direct descendent of the Founder.