Because of Them, My Life Knows Love
By Mamie Adkins
Honouring the ones who walked beside me until I could walk on my own
Part 1 of 3
From the Quiet Voices Within, I Found the Echoes of Their Strength
A Tribute to Dilmah Tea and the Legacy of Merrill J. Fernando
About the author…
Mamie Adkins is an author, legacy writer, and founder of Mamie Books.
With decades of experience capturing personal stories, she believes in the healing power of words — and the quiet comfort found in a perfect cup of tea. A longtime admirer of Dilmah, Mamie was inspired to write this piece following a season of personal loss, where the company’s history and values became part of her own path to peace.
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History, Mission and Goodness of Dilmah Tea
A life’s true worth is measured not by what we take, but by what we give.
Carly Maris
Sri Lanka: A Land of Rich Heritage and Flavour
History is more than a collection of dates and events — it’s the legacy of those who dared to dream, shaping the world we know today. It is deeply personal, a tapestry woven from the journeys of individuals and families across time, continents and cultures.
On September 6, 1620, my ancestors — the Hazen family (then spelt slightly differently) — set sail on the Mayflower, embarking on a journey that would mark their place in history and promise a new beginning. Hailing from Ireland, Scotland and England, they carried hope, resilience and a determination to build a better future.
History has always fascinated me. It bridges the past and present, reminding us of where we come from and what is possible. This passion led me to become a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and fuels my commitment to honouring those who dedicate their lives to shaping a better world.
At MamieBooks.com, we believe in people, dreams, perseverance, and the power of a single idea to change lives. Therefore, we celebrate and feature exceptional businesses and individuals who have used their talents and passions to achieve personal success and uplift those around them.
One such company — and one I am honoured to feature here — is the Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company of Sri Lanka.
My Journey with Dilmah Tea
Did you know they established the first tea estate in Sri Lanka in 1867? Tea, once a luxury commodity, became an integral part of the nation’s identity, and Dilmah has played a leading role in preserving its authenticity while revolutionising the industry.
It was only about five years ago that I discovered Dilmah Tea, and now I want to feature it on my website so that you can experience for yourself just how exquisite this tea truly is. But this story is not just about tea — it’s about history, passion, and pursuing something greater than oneself.
“The story of my Dilmah began in 1985. I was then a small tea grower with big dreams. Many said that mine was an impossible dream. But loyal tea drinkers around the world have made my dream a reality.”
Merrill J. Fernando, Founder of Dilmah
This story is not just about the past — it’s about how one man’s dream changed the lives of thousands, perhaps millions, around the world… including my own.
Just over a year ago, I underwent open-heart surgery — a bypass and aortic valve replacement. For reasons I can’t explain, sleeping afterwards became difficult, leaving me feeling exhausted, anxious and emotionally drained. Each day felt more challenging than the one before.
<Image: Bearwell-Dilmah Estate>
Then, I began drinking Dilmah Tea again. Something changed. Life started making sense again. I woke up purposefully, feeling calm, restored, and hopeful instead of overwhelmed.
You may wonder, “All of this from tea?”
Yes. Tea has the power to bring joy, create memories, and bring comfort during troubled times.
<Image: Calsey Dilmah Tea Estate>
Dedicated to those whose quiet strength helped me find my own
Little did I know that my quiet moments with a cup of tea would lead me to uncover one of the most remarkable stories in the world of tea — a story of perseverance, integrity, and an unbreakable vision — one that changed not only the tea industry but the lives of millions. And it all began with one man, Merrill J. Fernando.
The Rise of Dilmah: One Man’s Vision, A World of Change
While Sri Lanka became world famous for its tea in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, one man dared to challenge established tea marketing and sales methods.
In 1985, Merrill J. Fernando founded the Dilmah Tea brand, determined to protect Ceylon tea’s integrity in a market dominated by blends and mass production.
At the time, tea companies mixed lower-quality tea from multiple countries and labelled it as premium. Fernando saw this as a betrayal of Sri Lanka’s rich tea heritage. He believed tea should be pure, unblended, and packed at its origin, ensuring freshness, authenticity, and a fair share of profits for the people who grew it.
✔ First producer-owned tea brand – This meant greater fairness for farmers and higher quality for consumers.
✔ Handpicked and packed at the source — Unlike other brands that shipped tea for repackaging elsewhere, Dilmah ensured it stayed in Sri Lanka from leaf to cup.
✔ Profits shared with the community — Through Dilmah Conservation and the Merrill J. Fernando Foundation, he reinvested in wildlife preservation, reforestation, education, and healthcare for Sri Lankans.
<Image: Dilmah Tea Estate – Somerset Estate>
Today, Dilmah is Sri Lanka’s most recognised international brand, sold in over 100 countries and ranked among the world’s top 10 largest tea brands (as of 2023). But beyond the numbers, it remains a company built on values — integrity, quality and an unshakable love for tea.
With heartfelt thanks to the team at Dilmah Tea for their quiet generosity and belief in sharing this story. Their values shine not only in their tea, but in the way they treat others — with warmth, grace and integrity.
A single vision can change the course of an entire industry. But what happens when that vision is passed down, generation after generation? Can tradition and innovation walk hand-in-hand to shape the future of tea?
