Sri Lanka’s funeral directing industry is traditionally male-dominated, with very few women engaged in the profession. However, a woman from Deyyandara in the Southern Province has broken this norm by managing a funeral parlor and handling all funeral services, including preparing and embalming bodies.
Ranawaka Sepalika Nilmini took over the family-owned Deyyandara Mal Shalawa (funeral parlour) after the sudden death of her husband in 2017. Left with a large debt and the responsibility of raising three children, she stepped into the male-dominated industry to sustain her family’s livelihood.
Sepalika, who completed her Advanced Level education at Deyyandara Central College, was also actively involved in politics as a member of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP).
“I have embalmed and prepared around 1,500 bodies for funerals, including approximately 15 bodies of Buddhist monks. I have also provided some services free of charge. Today, I am in a stable financial position,” she stated.
