Author: Nathasha Silva
From Carbon Neutral to Climate Responsible
We are excited to announce that Dilmah’s climate targets have been officially validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) – a global body that drives ambitious climate action in the private sector. Carbon neutral being an option chosen by companies to mark their sustainability, involves offsetting emissions (compensating for what they emit by supporting external environmental projects). While offsets have value, they don’t always ensure that emissions are actually reduced at the source. Science-based targets are different.They are aligned with the most up-to-date climate science and set clear, measurable goals to reduce emissions directly across a company’s entire value chain. Validated by independent experts, these targets ensure that our efforts contribute meaningfully to the global goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C, as outlined in the Paris Agreement. In short: they hold us accountable, where it counts. It’s about: Our Climate Commitments We’ve set both near-term and long-term goals to drive climate action across our operations and supply chain: By FY2049 (Net-Zero Target Year): By FY2031 (Near-Term Goals): By FY2049 (Long-Term Goals): *FLAG = Forest, Land and Agriculture What This Means for Dilmah and the Planet This milestone marks a shift from offsetting to real reductions. It’s a move anchored in science, driven by data, and focused on what truly matters: creating measurable climate impact and safeguarding the future of our planet. As we move forward, every cup of Dilmah tea will carry a deeper purpose, not just in flavour and quality, but in climate responsibility.
A National Call to Inspire Action through the Lens
One Earth: Unveiling Sri Lanka’s Biodiversity – A National Call for Conservation Through the Lens To raise awareness and celebrate the wonder of our environment, Dilmah Conservation proudly launches One Earth: Unveiling Sri Lanka’s Biodiversity – a national photography and videography competition open to all Sri Lankans. Whether you’re a professional, a hobbyist, or simply a nature lover with a smartphone, this is your chance to tell nature’s story. Sri Lanka is home to an extraordinary range of biodiversity. But as climate change and human activities intensify, this rich natural heritage faces growing threats pushing countless species closer to extinction. Nature speaks if you truly look and listen, Sometimes in silence – in the quiet disappearance of a species, the return of birdsong to a once-silent forest, or the careful steps of a predator searching shrinking ground. Every sound, every silence, is part of the story of biodiversity under pressure, and resilience. But ‘What we fail to see, we often fail to protect’. That’s why this competition invites you to look closer, not just to admire the beauty of nature, but to feel its fragility, urgency, and worth. What makes it special?A single photograph can stir emotion, ignite curiosity, and shift perspectives, but we also know that some moments can’t be captured in stillness alone. That’s why One Earth: Unveiling Sri Lanka’s Biodiversity includes videography submissions, allowing participants to showcase the sights and sounds of the wild – the motion, mood, and melody of life in its truest form. Through this initiative, we aim to: While you take a step to inspire others and speak up for nature, your work will also be rewarded, with winning entries featured in a national exhibition and receive prizes collectively valued at LKR 3 Million. Five categories to choose from 1. Life in a Changing WorldCapture biodiversity navigating climate change and human pressures. Shine a light on the urgency to protect what remains. 2. NightlifeReveal the hidden world of nocturnal species — mysterious, elusive, and often unseen. This category celebrates the life that awakens when we sleep. 3. Hidden WondersFocus on rare and threatened species from the IUCN Red List. The more we know, the more we care. Awareness is a step toward action. 4. Biodiversity in Your BackyardFrom your garden to your windowsill — nature is all around. This category encourages everyday encounters with urban or domestic biodiversity, proving you don’t need to go far to find wonder. 5. WaterscapesDive into the beauty and importance of aquatic life and wetland ecosystems — habitats that support biodiversity and life itself. 6. Video Category – Sights & Sounds of BiodiversitySubmit short videos under any of the above themes. This format allows you to bring to life nature’s voice — in sound, movement, and mood. 7. People’s Choice (Non-submission)The shortlisted entries will be showcased online for public voting. The most resonant stories — the ones that speak to hearts — will receive special recognition. Dilmah Conservation has long been committed to protecting Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity, caring for elephants, butterflies, pollinators, the ecosystems they depend on and more. Through One Earth, we’re opening up that mission to the public, giving everyone a way to connect with nature and share its story in a powerful new way. Every photo, every sound, and every moment captured could inspire someone to take action, change a habit, or simply pause and care. So grab your camera, step outside, and let nature tell its story through you.For more details and submission guidelines: Click here
Unveiling the Top 50
It was no easy task, but after careful deliberation, our expert panel – Dr. Himesh Jayasinghe (Founder, Butterfly Conservation Society of Sri Lanka / Nature Photographer / Research Fellow, NIFS), Mr. Divanka Randula (Senior Lecturer, University of Kelaniya / Wildlife Photographer), and Mr. Vimukthi Weeratunga (Wildlife Biologist / Nature Photographer) – have selected the top 50 entries. And here they are! P.S.: Entries were anonymised and judged by code for an unbiased selection.
5 Years into Beekeeping
Dilmah Conservation launched ‘Bee a Keeper’ in May 2020 to promote the sustainable use of bees in agriculture and related ecosystems. The Rationale You’ve probably heard about food scarcity and how climate change is often blamed as the main cause. While climate change certainly has a serious impact, there’s more to the story. One of the often-overlooked reasons behind food scarcity is the loss of pollinators. Pollinator decline affects approximately 35% of the world’s crop production. –Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Pollinators like bees are struggling with rising temperatures, shifting flowering seasons, unpredictable and extreme weather- all of which disrupt their food sources and pollination timing. On top of that, human actions make things worse. Did you know? In many rural areas in Sri Lanka, honey is still collected by cutting open wild bee hives built inside tree trunks, crevices, or other natural shelters. This process often involves: This leaves the hive damaged or even destroyed. The inception The project began with a two-fold purpose: to help conserve local honeybees and create sustainable livelihoods. Research plays a key role in the Bee A Keeper project. More research on bees is conducted at the Endane Field Research Station. Established in 2021, our Endane Field Research Centre is the project Hub for ‘Bee A Keeper’. The Core of Its Sustainability Through sustainable beekeeping we support bees, protect their colonies, and only collect what they can spare. It’s done through bee boxes. Bee boxes, or beekeeping boxes, provide a structured, non-invasive, and sustainable way to harvest honey. These boxes: The present shape of ‘Bee A Keeper’ Providing bee boxes and training is just the start. Real impact comes from understanding hive dynamics. Detailed studies show that the queen bee drives the colony’s health and success. That’s where our bee research comes into play. Way forward At the One Earth Climate Change Centre in Nawalapitiya, bee research remains a core focus. With Endane leading the ‘Bee A Keeper’ project, the centre has grown into a key hub for bee-related research and education. We’ve also expanded the project in new ways: In Moratuwa – Partnering with universities to bring bee knowledge to future planners and researchers In the Eastern Province – Providing training and tools to indigenous communities, helping preserve their traditions while improving livelihoods sustainably. This is about building a mutual relationship:We create safe spaces for bees, and in return, they help us grow food, protect ecosystems, and fight climate change. Bees aren’t just part of nature — they are partners in keeping life going.
The Biodiversity of Dilmah’s Windsor Forest Tea Estate: More Than What Meets the Eye
When we think of rich biodiversity, dense rainforests or untouched national parks come to mind. Managed landscapes like tea estates are often seen as monocultures – neat rows of tea bushes with little life in between. But our recent biodiversity assessment at the Windsor Forest Estate reveals a more nuanced story. When nature is integrated and biodiversity is supported, even cultivated landscapes can serve as important refuges for countless species — showing that agricultural land doesn’t have to be barren to be productive. Windsor Forest Estate is a Dilmah estate in Sri Lanka, known for its high-quality, mid-grown Ceylon tea. It’s a garden mark for the Galamuduna Estate, located 22 kilometers from Nawalapitiya. The estate’s name is derived from an unusual rock at the top of a hill. It’s also said to be the 7th tea factory to be registered in Ceylon. Conducted by Dilmah Conservation with an expert team led by Conservation Biologist, Mr. Rukmal Ratnayake to support possible upcoming eco-tourism initiatives in the area, this study has offered vital insights for conservation, habitat restoration, and long-term sustainability. Biodiversity Hidden in Plain Sight The assessment recorded a remarkable 407 species of fauna, including 277 vertebrates and 130 invertebrates. That’s a number many might not expect from a region associated with tea cultivation. Birds made up 122 species, but what’s truly astonishing is the diversity that lies beneath the surface – beyond the branches and the bird calls. This includes, 40 amphibians, 6 species of fish, 60 reptiles, 48 mammals, 88 butterflies, 28 odonates (dragonflies and damselflies), and 14 moths. Their presence in and around Windsor Forest shows that managed lands can be vibrant ecosystems if approached with care and vision. Endemic Richness Sri Lanka is known for its high rate of endemism, and this site is no exception: The floral diversity also stood out, with 273 species of flowering plants, including 84 endemics. Did you know?The more diverse the plant life, the more diverse the animal life. Every creature finds food, shelter, or nesting ground in different plants. A single patch of thriving vegetation can support a web of life—if we let it. Rethinking What Biodiversity Looks Like What this study shows us is that biodiversity isn’t always loud or obvious. A true picture of biodiversity includes the silent amphibians that indicate water quality, the butterflies that pollinate flowers, the reptiles that control pest populations, and the moths that feed nocturnal species. Many of these creatures go unseen, either because they are small, camouflaged, or simply active at times when humans are not. But they are no less important. Their presence (or absence) tells us about the health of an ecosystem. It’s a reminder that biodiversity is not limited to untouched wilderness. It can thrive in places like tea estates, or even managed lands like the landscaped garden at your own home, provided that these landscapes are nurtured with ecological sensitivity. Photo credits: Sanoj Wijayasekara (SW), Rukmal Ratnayake (RR)Tharindu Ranasinghe (TR) and Nuwan Chathuranga (NC) , Narmadha Dangampola (ND)
A sneak-peak before we announce the winners!
Our first-ever Butterfly Photography Competition has wrapped up, and we’re thrilled to share a few randomly picked entries — each one a unique snapshot. We received an incredible variety of butterfly species, beautifully captured by enthusiasts from across the island. Sincere appreciation to every participant whose lens captured not just butterflies, but a quiet commitment to conservation through the art of observation. Stay tuned- the winners will be announced soon! The top 50 entries selected by our expert panel – Dr. Himesh Jayasinghe (Founder, Butterfly Conservation Society of Sri Lanka / Nature Photographer / Research Fellow, NIFS), Mr. Divanka Randula (Senior Lecturer, University of Kelaniya / Wildlife Photographer), and Mr. Vimukthi Weeratunga (Wildlife Biologist / Nature Photographer) will be showcased at a physical exhibition which will be held together with the opening of our revamped butterfly garden at the Dilmah One Earth Centre, Moratuwa. Since 2011, this peaceful urban haven has been home to 61 of Sri Lanka’s 248 butterfly species. More than just a garden, it’s a living classroom and sanctuary for pollinators, helping to raise awareness, spark curiosity, and protect biodiversity in the heart of the city. Now, with a beautifully revamped space reopening soon, the competition marks a perfect moment to reflect on the beauty and importance of butterflies in our ecosystems.
A walk through the Butterfly Garden and Urban Arboretum with our Dilmah Global Family.
The 11th Dilmah Global Family Conference participants visited the One Earth Centre in Moratuwa, touring the open-air Butterfly Garden, home to 70 native butterfly species and the Arboretum housing 300 tree species. To give everyone a full and hands-on experience, we split into smaller groups and guided them through key spaces cared for by the MJF Charitable Foundation, and Dilmah Conservation – the Urban Arboretum, Butterfly Garden, Heritage Centre, and Organic Garden. The energy was high and the curiosity even higher with each group eager to explore every corner. These short 20-minute walks through each space were more than just scenic strolls. They were a chance to pause, take in the space, and see the quiet, thoughtful work happening all around. Questions sparked curiosity — from butterfly species flitting through the garden, to the range of trees in the arboretum, to planting techniques in the organic garden. Our guests witnessed how nature, when nurtured, gives back in so many ways. The conversations that followed were just as rich — connecting biodiversity, human wellbeing, and sustainability in a meaningful way. Out of the many events lined up during the week-long conference, this visit sure stands out. It’s a reminder to us all that each member of the Dilmah family plays a part in something bigger, a shared mission to protect nature and uplift people. Because at the end of the day, we’re not just a tea company. We’re a family with purpose. The 11th Dilmah Global Family Conference commenced on the 6th of May 2025 — the birth anniversary of our Founder, Merrill J. Fernando, marked as Kindness Day – a day to reflect on the values he championed: kindness to people, kindness to the planet.
Sri Lanka’s First-Ever Butterfly Competition: Spotlight on Pollinators
Dilmah’s sustainability arm, Dilmah Conservation, is pleased to introduce Sri Lanka’s first-ever Butterfly Competition- an exciting initiative to foster awareness and appreciation for these delicate pollinators. Why a butterfly photography competition? Since October 2011, we have nurtured Sri Lanka’s first urban open-air butterfly garden in the heart of Moratuwa – an urban sanctuary where butterflies and several other pollinators thrive. To date, this haven has recorded 61 of the 248 butterfly species found in Sri Lanka, and serves as a model for Dilmah Conservation to conduct education and awareness programmes about butterflies. Now, with a newly revamped space set to reopen in a month, we’re celebrating the occasion with a competition that invites nature lovers to capture the beauty of Sri Lanka’s butterflies through photography. Who Can Join? Anyone can participate, whether you’re a resident or not! The only rule? Your photograph must feature a butterfly species found in Sri Lanka. This competition offers two exciting themes: 📸 Theme 01 – “Captured Worth”A photograph that not only showcases the beauty of butterflies but also highlights their ecological importance. This category aims to raise awareness of the need to protect these vital creatures and their habitats. 📸 Theme 02 – “Beyond the Image: Stories Unfolded”A thought-provoking image that goes beyond aesthetics, capturing emotions, moments, or narratives that draw the audience in making them want to know more. It’s more than just a competition, it’s a celebration of biodiversity, a tribute to the vital role butterflies play in our ecosystems, and a chance to showcase their beauty through great photography. Excited to participate? Click here for details | submit here Looking forward to visiting our butterfly garden in Moratuwa? Stay tuned for reopening dates!
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