It will be a year since the passing of our founder,
Merrill J. Fernando.
The greatness of the visionary creator of Dilmah was his invincible faith, integrity, passion for Ceylon Tea, and his caring for the marginalised of society and for the environment. He had a profound impact on the world around him and he left behind an inspirational legacy.

The First Year Anniversary

Surrounded by his sons and grandchildren, iconic Teamaker, Disrupter and Servant Merrill J. Fernando passed away in Colombo, 20th July 2023. The visionary founder of Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company’s greatness was in his invincible faith, his integrity and love for tea & family. With devotion and urgency he pursued his desire for integrity and quality with humility and kindness. His achievement in disrupting an exploitative colonial industry irrevocably changed the lives of producers around the world introducing a paradigm shift in ethical business before ethics and sustainable business acquired the prominence they have now.