‘A Journey of Flavor, Integrity, and Impact – Dilmah celebrates 40 years of a legacy of Tea’

To mark its 40th anniversary, Dilmah has released the “Gift of Tea – 40s – Founder’s Anniversary Reserve,” a limited-edition set featuring 40 tea bags in four signature blends, namely, Breakfast Tea, Earl Grey with Honey, Green Tea with Lychee & Ginger, and Cinnamon Orange & Honey. This exclusive collection honors the company’s rich heritage and the enduring legacy of its founder, Mr. Merrill J. Fernando and the company’s commitment to quality and authenticity.

On May 6th, 2025, Dilmah also honoured Mr. Merrill J. Fernando, whose legacy transformed the Ceylon tea industry, with heartfelt tributes and the release of two commemorative stamps by Sri Lanka Post—celebrating a life of kindness, integrity, and purpose.

Under the leadership of his son, Dilhan C. Fernando, Dilmah continues to live by its founding belief that “business is a matter of human service.” Through the MJF Foundation and Dilmah Conservation, the company donates at least 15% of its pre-tax profits to support education, healthcare, and environmental initiatives in tea-growing communities.

After spending several decades in the tea industry, Merril J. Fernando’s eldest son, Malik Fernando, unexpectedly ventured into hospitality in 2005 with the launch of Ceylon Tea Trails. His venture quickly grew into Resplendent Ceylon, a luxury brand featuring three properties that showcase Sri Lanka’s coast, nature, and tea culture.

Over four decades, Dilmah has become more than a tea brand—it has built a legacy of social impact and inclusivity. Dilmah has empowered women, the elderly and individuals with disabilities, through inclusive employment, education, and social welfare programs. These efforts are not just token gestures but are embedded in the company’s DNA, largely driven by the MJF Charitable Foundation, which reinvests a portion of Dilmah’s profits into a wide range of social and environmental initiatives. This unwavering commitment to human dignity and social equity has fostered extraordinary employee loyalty. Many of Dilmah’s team members have remained with the company since its inception—a testament to a workplace culture grounded in mutual respect, care, and long-term commitment, contributing to the success of this remarkable Organization.