Within the Dilmah Family, we fondly refer to him as ‘MJF’. Older generations of the trade simply called him ‘Merrill’, while younger generations referred to ‘Mr. Fernando’. Around the world, he was often recognised as ‘Mr. Dilmah’. Regardless of the moniker, it is, of course, our beloved Founder Merrill J. Fernando that we speak of.
To many, he was the founder and face of Dilmah Ceylon Tea since 1985. A passionate teamaker who poured his life and heart into his tea, it is no secret that MJF was a disruptor of the colonial tea trade system in his early years, taking a stand against unscrupulous processes that gave local tea growers a raw deal. A force to be reckoned with, is what he was – and continues to be in our memory, even today.
If ever you had the honour of speaking with him in person, you would have undoubtedly been humoured by his undeniable wit and sharp tongue, while also feeling a sense of awe towards his intelligence and vision. This vision was not limited to his business, though, for MJF was a strong believer – and example – of business being a matter of human service. This human service is something that Dilmah still extends towards less fortunate communities, differently abled children, marginalised women, endangered species, the natural environment, and beyond. He was a God-fearing man with a deep sense of religion and responsibility.
Most of this might already have been known to those who knew MJF and his work closely enough. So, in May 2023, months before bidding farewell to the mortal realm, Merrill J. Fernando published his memoir – The Story of Ceylon Teamaker Merrill J. Fernando. The transcript, expertly documented by Anura Gunasekara under MJF’s keen eye, gives us in-depth insight into a life that inspired not only second and third generations of tea growers and teamakers within the family, but generations of tea enthusiasts the world over. As you make your way through the pages, you get to know the ordinary child who grew up to be an extraordinary entrepreneur, philanthropist and advocate for Ceylon tea. You see how this magnanimous figure was so much like you and me in terms of life, yet also how he had used his vision and purpose to transcend beyond that likeness, while remaining humble and committed through it all.
The book is an account, an album, a documentation of MJF’s personal, professional and family life, the evolution of Ceylon tea, the political and administrative history of the country, the growth of Dilmah and numerous other brands now associated with the MJF Group. As you skim through, you come across a trove of intriguing historical facts and anecdotes, and a plethora of rare images that cover everything from family holidays and weddings, to the Dilmah/MJF family that extends beyond the Fernandos, the brand’s growing network of global friends, colonial and post-colonial photos, documents and articles from the trade, Dilmah’s global advertising campaigns from the early years, contributors and stakeholders at the heart of the business, and so much more. It is an easy read, an open invitation into the life and mind of a man who used his wisdom, resilience and grit to achieve greatness for both self and country.
The book is an ode to his humble beginnings and a testament to the noble and magnificent gentleman we knew him to be at the time of his passing. Above all, in his own words, it is “a tribute to many people and a grateful acknowledgement of the contribution made to (his) life by so many”. It really is quite something, coming from the legend himself.
The Story of Ceylon Teamaker Merrill J. Fernando is now available for purchase at Amazon: The Story of Ceylon Teamaker: Merrill J. Fernando: Merrill J. Fernando: 9789550081325: Amazon.com: Books
