Author: Dinesh Silva
Ceylon Tea & Cinnamon Experience in Colombo?
Yes, that’s right, an interactive space in the heart of Colombo just opened to learn about the history, culture, biodiversity, and global influence of Ceylon Tea and Ceylon Cinnamon – thanks to Genesis by Dilmah. The Ceylon Tea & Cinnamon Experience at Genesis by Dilmah opened its doors with a bold ambition: to redefine the way visitors experience two of Sri Lanka’s most iconic natural treasures – Ceylon Tea and Ceylon Cinnamon. Located in bustling Maligawatte in the capital of Colombo, Sri Lanka, the Experience is a unique curated journey to better understand and appreciate these two legendary exports. Developed under the Genesis brand, the experience showcases Sri Lanka’s rich heritage while inviting both local and international audiences to rediscover Ceylon tea and cinnamon – not just as commodities, but as cultural artefacts with stories that span centuries. The location in Maligawatte is in fact the birthplace of Dilmah tea where the late Merrill J. Fernando first began to process the finest Ceylon Teas at source, making his dream of sharing single origin tea with the world into a reality. This significance and connection were emphasised by both his sons Dilhan and Malik who inaugurated the experiential space, in its “rebirth”. “This initiative represents a deeply personal and national story,” said Dilhan C. Fernando, Chairman, Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company PLC, of which Genesis by Dilmah is a part of. “This location in Maligawatte is where my father, Dilmah Founder Merrill J. Fernando first started processing and packing our teas for the world – 40 years ago in 1985. Ceylon Tea and Cinnamon are not merely Sri Lankan exports – they are expressions of our identity, our biodiversity, and our values. Genesis brings that story to life in a way that is meaningful, authentic and immersive.” The opening event was attended by representatives of the tourism sector and media, as well as Peter Kuruvita, renowned chef / restauranteur and longstanding friend of Dilmah, who shared the value of true and potent Ceylon Tea and Cinnamon for culinary professionals and budding cooks. Curated as a gallery-style walkthrough, the Experience is brought to life through interactive exhibits, high-resolution murals, original archival content, and multisensory installations. It draws a compelling line from ancient trade routes and colonial legacies to modern sustainability and innovation. As Sri Lanka gains global interest as a tourist destination, it is important for its capital city to build more multidimensional, authentic experiences and the Ceylon Tea & Cinnamon Experience at Genesis by Dilmah is a welcome addition to the offerings in Colombo. The Experience will soon be open for organised tours. Learn more by visiting Genesis by Dilmah
Unveiling the Refreshed Dilmah Emblem
Dilmah Founder Merrill J. Fernando made history when – in 1985 – he launched the world’s first genuinely ethical tea, grown, picked and perfected by growers for the benefit of their communities and industry. Connecting his love for fine tea, his desire for better lives & livelihoods for workers, and his quest for a more sustainable tea industry, he built his tea on a foundation of family values, with a heart of kindness. 40 years on, we celebrate the legacy of our late Founder, reaffirming our uncompromising commitment to the Quality, Integrity and Purpose that defined his lifetime of devotion to tea. We are honoured to share our refreshed Dilmah emblem with you. It features our Founder, and a figure representing the artisans to whose welfare he dedicated himself. Four quadrants depict nature, biodiversity, kindness, and the tea that gave him strength and was his life’s devotion. The shield symbolises the various battles he had on his journey, and the faith and determination with which he fought to overturn a colonial economic system. It also conveys the elements in his arsenal – respect for Nature, nature’s influence upon Taste and Goodness, the Kindness that he embedded at the heart of Dilmah, and his passion for Tea. Above the shield is a Kandyan crown, adding our Founder’s love for Sri Lanka, and his entirely authentic mission to take our tea to the world. The royal crown is inspired by that worn by Sri Lanka’s last King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe and signifies the family brand’s emphasis on quality framed in authenticity, tradition, and a commitment to ethics aimed at addressing poverty and inequality in most tea growing countries. Merrill J. Fernando’s pledge of kindness to people and nature and his emphasis on quality and integrity contrary to a prevailing culture of discounting, underline the ethical, sustainable economic model he advocated in preference to the exploitative colonial model he fought against. With its focus on the dignity of artisans, advocacy of respect for livelihoods, and sustainable, equitable growth, the Dilmah story offers encouragement to producers around the world in adding value to their produce, to derive fair and deserved benefit from the fruits of their passion and labour. Unveiled on 6th May, our Founder’s birth anniversary, the refreshed emblem provides fresh appreciation and understanding of the Dilmah brand and philosophy.
Ceylon Literary Festival – Writer’s Workshop
Did you know? Ameena Hussein, who began her writing career at 29, transitioned from sociology to writing after a friend encouraged her to document her work and Lal Medawattegedara, had a passion for reading that turned into writing. There is no perfect moment to start writing, but the Future Writers Programme presented by Dilmah as part of the HSBC Ceylon Literary & Arts Festival is designed to ignite a passion for storytelling and open doors to lasting careers and valuable connections. Dilmah Ceylon Tea continues its partnership with the HSBC Ceylon Literary & Arts Festival, supporting the Future Writers Programme for the second year. This year, as part of the programme, a workshop moderated by Artika Bakshi was held on the second day of the festival, at the Colombo Public Library, where almost 90 participants had the opportunity to learn directly from distinguished local and international authors. This initiative empowers the next generation of storytellers by giving young writers the opportunity, tools and guidance to explore their creative potential. To learn more about the Future Writers Programme and join the creative writing competition, visit the Ceylon Literary & Arts Festival’s social media pages and website: www.ceylonliteraryfestival.com