Founder of world renowned tea brand, Dilmah, Merill J Fernando has passed away early this morning (20).
In 2019, Fernando stood down as CEO of Dilmah and was succeeded by his son Dilhan Fernando.
Merrill J. Fernando’s greatest achievement is in overcoming the exploitation of Sri Lanka's tea industry and taking his tea, to tea lovers around the world. Equally, it was the philosophy that he decided would be the foundation of his family tea – making business a matter of human service. The fulfillment of that philosophy is evident in the work of his MJF Charitable Foundation which uses a minimum 15% of the pretax profits of Dilmah and its ancillary businesses, to provide nutrition, education, care and support to differently abled children, youth in marginalized communities, the elderly.
Fernando was honoured by the panel of Nobel Laureates that evaluates ‘business worthiness’ amongst business men and women globally, as an Oslo Business for Peace Honouree in 2015. In 2016 he was chosen Sri Lankan of the Year by a panel of eminent persons and in the same year he was awarded the FIRST Award for Responsible Capitalism for improving the lives of underprivileged children and deprived communities. The Award was presented by Rt. Hon. Philip Hammond MP., Chancellor of the Exchequer. Dilmah was recognized by brand think tank, Medinge Group as a Brand with a Conscience.
That same year Fernando was honoured as a Sri Lankan of the Year and in 2018 received a Lifetime Achievement Award for humanitarian service from the World Association of Chefs at the Congress. In August 2019 Dilmah Founder was honored 2nd highest Sri Lankan National award and bestowed the title of "Deshamanya".