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Because of Them, My Life Knows Love: Part 1 of 3
Because of Them, My Life Knows Love 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 By Mamie Adkins 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. ———————————————————————————————— 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 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?
Natural Luxury Meets Incredible Creativity
In the heart of Shanghai at the JW Marriott Hotel Fengxian, something extraordinary brewed, quite literally. The Dilmah & Marriott International Natural Luxury Sommelier Challenge – China Edition wasn’t just another culinary competition; it was a celebration of craftsmanship, culture and conscious luxury, all brewed in the essence of fine Ceylon Tea. What made this edition even more special was the symbolism of its setting. Ceylon Tea, grown in the lush highlands of Sri Lanka, returned to the land where tea itself was born, China. With nearly 90 Marriott International hotels across Greater China taking part, the competition was fierce and flavourful. From intricate tea infusions to gastronomic pairings and spirit-infused creativity, 12 teams emerged as finalists, redefining what luxury tea service looks like in the 21st century. At the heart of this initiative is Dilhan C. Fernando, Chairman/CEO of Dilmah Tea and the driving force behind the challenge. As he explained, this isn’t about flashy opulence, luxury today is rooted in nature, authenticity, wellness and respect – respect for ingredients, for artisans and for the timeless ritual of traditional tea-making. The finalists rose to the challenge, creating everything from Earl Grey infused cocktails to tea-smoked delicacies, fusing heritage with innovation. The competition culminated in a live showcase judged by a distinguished panel including Dilhan C. Fernando, Stephen Lim, Director of Restaurants & Bars, Marriott International Greater China, Sven Heinrich Wunram, Culinary Director, Marriott International Greater China, and Ho Hoang Huy, Acclaimed Vietnamese Mixologist. The grand title was shared by Team Wuhan Marriott Hotel Wuchang and Team Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, who captivated the judges with their seamless infusion of story, flavour and artistry. Other accolades included: · Best Inspirational Tea Beverage: Charles Kaderabek, Renaissance Harbor View Hong Kong · Best Food Pairing: Lydia Song, The Shanghai Edition · Best Tea Sommelier: Amanda Au Yeung, The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong · Best Team Collaboration: Christ Dong & Rain Huang, The Westin Guangzhou This edition marked the international debut of the Challenge, with China, the birthplace of tea, as the fitting first stop. From here, the journey continues globally, reviving lost food cultures, honouring artisans, and placing tea at the heart of a conscious luxury experience. Because in a fast-paced world, sometimes true sophistication is found in the stillness of a perfectly brewed cup.
Behind the Scenes of #Session90
When we say #Session90 of the Dilmah School of Tea (SOT) was our biggest yet, we’re not just talking numbers, though 204 guests from almost 50 countries is no small feat. What made it extraordinary was everything that unfolded behind the scenes – the energy, the early mornings, the late-nights, the aroma of tea wafting through hallways, and the genuine excitement of bringing tea lovers from across the world into the Dilmah world. It started before sunrise on Day 1 of the SOT… The Hilton Colombo’s kitchen was buzzing with the action from Chef Peter Kuruvita, the Queen of Cheese Betty Koster and mixology maestros Tomek Malek, Alberto Pizarro and Najade Bijl. Watching red velvet pancakes get crowned with chamomile cream or lamb pies paired with peppermint leaves — magic. And don’t forget the tea-based detox concoctions that somehow made waking up early feel like a reward! At Cinnamon Life, we prepped the classroom to reflect the spirit of Dilmah – thoughtful, warm and an element of surprise! The sessions were led by a powerhouse faculty of Sri Lankan and international experts. Dilhan C. Fernando, Chairman of Dilmah, shared insights on tea artisanship and food service trends. His son, Amrit Fernando introduced the rich story of Ceylon Cinnamon, while Betty Koster brought her cheese wisdom to the table. Participants explored tea’s health benefits, flavour pairings and even built their own high tea boxes – curated, elegant and personal. Of course, the impromptu quizzes and gifts were fun too! Then came the 4.15 a.m. wake-up call on Day 2. Yes, we really did that! However, no complaints were heard as the group boarded a scenic train to the Craighead Estate in Nawalapitiya from Colombo Fort, passing through paddy fields, small villages, misty valleys, sun-soaked slopes, tea gardens and tunnels carved into the hills. For many it was their first glimpse of the birthplace of Ceylon Tea. At Craighead Estate, the air was cool, the views endless and the welcome heartfelt — especially from the plantation community children supported by our MJF Charitable Foundation. The SOT participants walked the estate trails and followed tea’s journey from handpicking to withering to rolling to fermenting to drying to grading. They watched white tea being crafted with reverence, a unique process. And somewhere between the scent of fresh tea leaves and the laughter of children, the meaning of what we do at Dilmah settled deeper. That evening in the hill capital of Kandy, spirits lifted — literally! Our mixology masters led a vibrant session on tea and cocktails. From zero-proof creations to low-ABV infusions, every team got their hands sticky with syrup, spirits and creativity. There were spills. There was flair. There were cheers. By the time we returned to Colombo for the grand finale on Day 4 — a visit to the Dilmah Tea Room, factory and the MJF Centre in Moratuwa – something had changed. Participants weren’t just SOT attendees anymore, they were part of the Dilmah Global Family. We brewed over 5,000 cups of tea across four days. But what really filled our cups? The shared stories, the laughter and the simple joy of bringing people together over a love for tea and kindness.
Behind the Scenes of a “Family” Reunion
From the 6th to the 9th of May 2025, we hosted the 11th Dilmah Global Family Conference, our international partner gathering. It was a homecoming as 150 participants from 51 countries came together, each carrying a piece of the global Dilmah story, bound by one mission: to honour our past, celebrate the present, and shape the future of Ceylon Tea. Months of meetings, late-night calls across time zones, creative brainstorming sessions, tasting trials, sorting over 100 flags, packing gifts, and box after box of samples — all leading to this moment. On the 6th of May, what would have been our Founder Merrill J. Fernando’s birthday, we began. We gave a warm cultural welcome to our partners at the home of Dilmah in Peliyagoda. Here, they were taken through our state-of-the-art factory, where they witnessed the remarkable advancements in robotics and infrastructure that now support our craft. One of the most cherished moments was their visit to the tea room, where we proudly taste over 10,000 cups of tea each week to ensure only the finest reaches the world. All our partners — even our participant tea taster — got that slurp just right! That evening, two commemorative stamps were officially unveiled by Sri Lanka Post. One honoured our beloved Founder, Merrill J. Fernando, the first native Sri Lankan tea grower to launch his own tea brand to the world. The other captured the heart of his mission: ethical tea, a deep respect for nature, and a lifelong service to people. May 6th will forever be known as Kindness Day, at Dilmah – a day to reflect on the values our Founder lived by. Because to him, kindness was never weakness, but a strength and resilience, and business is — and always will be — a matter of human service. A new chapter begins This conference also marked the unveiling of our new Dilmah emblem. Our crest features our Founder and a figure representing the artisans to whose welfare he dedicated himself. The shield symbolises 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, her 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. We relaunched the tea that first made our taste known around the world – Dilmah Premium and Gourmet selections, now with improved packaging and elegance. For the first time, we introduced the Windsor Forest collection, a symbol of natural luxury for true tea connoisseurs. There was excitement over the rare, radiant Dilmah Ruby Tea, a special tea created for the 40th anniversary. Conversations Brewed with Heart There were 39 sessions, each exploring not just tea, but also the world around it. Among many thought-provoking sessions, Prof. Tissa Amarakoon stood out as he shared the science behind tea and health. Alongside hundreds of nods, I too agreed that tea is a protector of the body, a fighter of inflammation, a friend to the gut, and a quiet warrior against diabetes and cancer. Grant Davidson then guided us through emerging market trends — from aesthetic packaging to trending loose leaf rituals. We toasted to many success stories like Dilmah Malaysia, which grew sixfold in just four years, and Dilmah Australia, now a rising star. Beyond the products and sessions, what truly touched me were the moments in between. Meeting faces behind familiar emails. Laughing over cups, glasses and plates inspired by tea, as world-class bartender Alberto Pizarro and winner of the Entree Awards 2021- Najade Bijl, served an exclusive tea-inspired menu. Listening to stories told with accents from every corner of the globe, sharing ideas, learning about each other’s cultures, and standing together for a cause greater than any of us alone. The True Taste of Tea We stand for kindness and to never compromise. We believe a simple leaf can carry the weight of a nation’s story and how one man’s dream, rooted in love for people and the planet, can grow into a family that spans the world. And this is what makes Dilmah different. Behind every menu is not just a recipe, but an experience. Not just a product, but a purpose and as we close this chapter of celebration, our hearts are full. We are grateful, we are inspired and we are ready. Because this is not the end of the story, it is just the beginning of our next 40 years together. Here’s to kindness, to courage, to Ceylon Tea. Here’s to being Dilmah.
Stamped for the Ages
On the 6th of May 2025, we paused — with gratitude, with love and with quiet reflection to honour a man whose life changed the Ceylon tea industry. Our Founder, Merrill J. Fernando, was remembered not only through words and memories but also through two beautifully crafted commemorative stamps formally issued by Sri Lanka Post. These stamps are more than paper and ink; they are a tribute to a life defined by kindness, integrity and unwavering purpose. The 6th of May, which would have been his 95th birthday, has now been formally recognised by Dilmah as ‘Kindness Day’ — a day to reflect on the values he lived by, and to recommit ourselves to making business a matter of human service. The commemorative stamps were unveiled at a special evening in Colombo, which brought together not only the second and third generations of Dilmah, but also members of the Dilmah Global Family, who had gathered in Sri Lanka for the 11th international Dilmah partner conference. The stamps themselves are works of art — designed by Pulasthi Ediriweera, a celebrated Sri Lankan artist, songwriter, teacher and designer. With a career spanning over four decades, Pulasthi has brought over 200 stamps to life, each bearing his artistic fingerprint and talent. Trained at the prestigious Haywood Art Institute, and a recipient of national honours such as the Kalapathi and Kalabhushana awards, Pulasthi poured not only his skill but his heart into the depiction of a man who inspired a nation — and the world. One stamp pays homage to Merrill J. Fernando himself — the first native tea grower to offer his own brand of tea directly to the world. The other honours his life’s work: a legacy of kindness, ethical purpose, and devotion to people and planet. Together, they are a celebration of 40 years of Dilmah and of the values that will carry the brand forward. Our Founder once said, “In 1950, I devoted my life to tea. I saw so much inequality around the world that even as a young teamaker with nothing more than a big dream, I decided that my Dilmah Tea would serve humanity.” That promise continues to live on in every cup of Dilmah, in every community uplifted through the MJF Charitable Foundation, and now, through these stamps, in every collector’s album as a timeless symbol of compassion in action. Kindness Day is not just a date on the calendar — it is a call to remember, and more importantly, to act. It is a reminder that kindness is not weakness, but strength. It is not an option, but a duty. It is the essence of all that Merrill J. Fernando stood for. Let this day, and these stamps, inspire us all to carry forward his dream — to make business truly a matter of human service, and to make kindness not just a memory, but a movement.