Author: Nathasha Silva
Learning to ‘See’ plants
Not as passive background scenery but as dynamic communicative organisms The plant world is one of endless diversity, existing in forms, colours, textures, and structures so varied that understanding them can feel like learning an entirely new language. Yet despite this incredible diversity, every plant has a place, a relationship, and a story. This is where taxonomy comes in. Often misunderstood as simply the act of “naming plants,” taxonomy is far more than classification. It is the science of understanding relationships between plants, tracing their evolutionary histories, identifying their characteristics, and organising the immense diversity of life into meaningful systems. Nomenclature, meanwhile, refers specifically to the process of naming. Together, they form the foundation of how we understand the plant world around us. All of this and more unfolded at our recent Plant Identification Workshop held in Moratuwa, which drew an overwhelming number of enthusiastic participants. The response itself reflected a growing curiosity among people to better understand the green world around them, not merely as scenery, but as living systems filled with complexity and connection. The session was led by Dr. Himesh Jayasinghe, an emerging plant expert whose passion and depth of knowledge brought the subject to life. “Plant identification requires more than memorisation; it demands a trained eye, scientific understanding, patience, and an instinct for observation. Dr. Himesh possesses exactly that combination”. -Prof. Hashendra Adding another layer of depth to the workshop, Prof. Hashendra’s session beautifully connected science with history, showing participants how plant identification is rooted not only in modern scientific methods, but also in centuries of exploration, documentation, and discovery. Without understanding both the scientific and historical context, identifying plants becomes incomplete. With her support, microscopes were also arranged for participants, allowing them to move beyond surface-level observation and explore the intricate details hidden within plants. Delicate structures, textures, and patterns that often go unnoticed to the naked eye suddenly became visible, transforming the session from a lecture into an immersive exploration of the microscopic beauty of the plant world. The learning experience continued outdoors as participants were divided into six groups and guided through the premises’ arboretum, organic garden, and butterfly garden. These guided walks turned the environment itself into a living classroom, allowing participants to apply what they had learned in real time while observing plants within their ecological settings. The activity concluded with flower dissections, offering an even deeper understanding of plant morphology and structure. Adding a fun and interactive touch to the workshop was the Mentimeter quiz session. By the end of the workshop, participants walked away with far more than the ability to identify plants. What many once saw as “just plants” had transformed into intricate living systems filled with history, science, relationships, and wonder. Curiosity had been reignited, perspectives had shifted, and the plant world was now being seen through entirely new eyes.
A New Generation of Nature Lovers in Kalkudah
On the 1st of May, the Central Environmental Authority and Dilmah Conservation came together to launch the Sobha Mithuro Kalkudah Nature Club at our East Centre. Over 100 students from schools across the Batticaloa district joined the initiative, marking the beginning of what we hope will become a long-term journey in environmental stewardship. What is ‘Sobha Mithuro’? ‘Sobha Mithuro’ is a community-based environmental initiative that inspires children and youth to become environmentally conscious citizens through nature education, conservation activities, and sustainable lifestyle practices. The objective is to bridge the gap in environmental education on climate change, water conservation, and biodiversity. One of the most memorable moments came from Dr. Ajith Gunawardena, Director of Environmental Education at the Central Environment Authority, and his daughter, Ms. Mihini Akithma, who encouraged students to truly observe nature in order to love and protect it. Their advice was beautifully practical – keep a nature diary. And so, surrounded by the trees of our dry zone arboretum, the students made their very first diary entries. The most evocative observations received certificates, while every participant walked away with a recycled-plastic-covered nature diary to continue documenting the world around them. What began as a single launch is now set to grow into monthly meetups at the Dilmah Conservation Centre- Kalkudah and participating schools, creating a space where curiosity, science, and nature can meet.
A Garden for Everyone: Growing Inclusion
At the One Earth Centre in Moratuwa, a wheelchair-accessible garden is quietly redefining what it means to connect with nature. Built with intention and care, this garden isn’t just about plants – it’s about people. It’s about making sure that everyone, regardless of ability, has the chance to feel, touch, grow, and belong. Created especially for the Rainbow Kids of the MJF Charitable Foundation, this space recognises something simple yet often overlooked: they deserve to experience nature just as fully as anyone else. And here, they do. Small hands reach out to touch leaves, to water plants, to watch something they nurtured come to life. There’s curiosity, there’s excitement, and there’s a quiet sense of pride. This is made possible through thoughtfully designed adjustable planting tables at suitable heights, barrier-free access for easy movement in and out of the space, and the continued support of our staff and their parents who are also welcomed at the garden here. But what makes this garden even more special is what happens next. What is grown here doesn’t stop at the garden. The harvest is shared with the Women’s Development Centre, where it becomes part of meals prepared with care. And then, in a beautiful full circle, it returns – served back on their plates. A full circle of kindness to nature, among people and back from nature!
Life to Our Blue Forests
We often speak about forests when we talk about protecting the planet. Towering trees, dense canopies, and the life they hold. But beneath the surface of our oceans lies another ecosystem – quiet, unseen, and just as powerful. Seagrass. Seagrass meadows are now recognised as the third most important ecosystem in the world, following forests and other major natural systems. Yet, unlike forests, they remain largely invisible to us. And maybe that’s why we are losing them. A climate hero we rarely see Seagrass is more than just underwater plants. It is: Despite all this, seagrass ecosystems are disappearing at an alarming rate. What’s causing the loss? The degradation of seagrass meadows is often silent, but steady. It happens through: Unlike forests, where loss is visible and immediate, seagrass decline happens underwater – out of sight, and often out of mind. This is exactly why conversations like these are becoming more important. At a recent session organised by Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL) in collaboration with Dilmah Conservation at Genesis by Dilmah, Maligawatte, the focus turned to “Life to Our Blue Forests” – the newest addition to a growing series of conservation initiatives. This builds on earlier efforts: Life to our mangroves, Life to our national parks, Life to our beaches, Life to our coral reefs, Life to our forests And now, the spotlight shifts to what lies beneath the waves. A collaborative step forward The Life to Our Blue Forests initiative emerges as a collaboration with Dilmah Conservation, bringing together knowledge, science, and action to protect these critical ecosystems. The session opened with a keynote by Prof. Mike Van Keulen from Murdoch University, who spoke on “Seagrass: The hidden climate hero beneath the waves.” His insights reinforced just how vital these ecosystems are, not only for marine life, but for global climate resilience. This was followed by local expertise from Mr. Susantha Udagedara of Blue Resources Trust, who grounded the discussion in the Sri Lankan context, highlighting both the richness of our coastal ecosystems and the urgency of protecting them. Looking ahead We are speaking more about seagrass now than ever for two simple reasons: Because it is important.And because it is time. Time to recognise that not all forests grow on land.Time to protect ecosystems we cannot always see.And time to act before silence beneath the waves becomes absence.
It’s Living Green When Animals Join In
Grey2Green just wrapped up its 3rd session, and this time, we looked beyond just “green.” Because let’s be honest…Is a space truly green just because it has plants? Plants are alive, yes. But what really brings a space to life is something more subtle – the movement, the sounds, the tiny interactions we often miss. The flutter of wings, the hum of insects, the quiet work happening in the soil. Animals don’t just make spaces feel lively – they make them function. From pollination and seed dispersal to decomposition and natural pest control, they are what keep ecosystems in balance. And yet, not every green space supports this life.Not every garden feels inviting. So, how do we create spaces that animals actually choose to be part of? Seeing the Difference With insights from Dr. Sahani Chandrasiri and Dr. Anura Indrajith, we explored this question not just through discussion, but through experience. A walk through the arboretum and butterfly garden showed us something simple, but powerful:Not all green spaces are equal. Some are quiet.Some are alive. The difference lies in the details – the kind of plants, the layers, the care taken to welcome more than just human eyes. So, How Can You Make Your Space Animal-Friendly? If you have even a small garden, balcony, or patch of land, here are a few simple ways to start: 1. Choose native plantsThese are what local insects, birds, and animals already know and depend on. Exotic plants may look nice, but natives create real connections. 2. Create layers, not just lawnsThink beyond a flat green space. Add ground plants, shrubs, and small trees. Different animals use different levels. 3. Let it be a little “messy”A few fallen leaves, twigs, or logs might look untidy, but they are homes for insects and help enrich the soil. 4. Add a water sourceEven a shallow bowl can attract birds, butterflies, and bees especially in dry weather. 5. Avoid chemicalsPesticides and herbicides don’t just remove pests, they remove the entire food chain. 6. Plant for pollinatorsFlowering plants that bloom at different times ensure there’s always something for bees and butterflies. A Quick Re-cap! So far, through our skill building sessions, we’ve explored what urban greening really means, how to choose the right plants, and how to create spaces that welcome animal life. These are just the first steps in our skill-building journey. Stay tuned for what’s next.
When a ‘Lost’ Plant Returns: A Conservation Story from Queensberry Estate
Sometimes conservation is about protecting what we can see. Other times, it is about rediscovering what was almost lost. Recently, we had the opportunity to support the conservation of a rare plant species that had been considered extinct in the wild for more than 100 years. The initiative is led by the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka (WNPS) in collaboration with Hemas Holdings PLC, and it has revealed something remarkable – one of the mother plants of this species was identified at the Dilmah Queensberry Estate. In fact, the estate is one of only three main locations in the country where this plant has been found. From Discovery to Restoration Building on this discovery, the Dilmah Conservation team joined the effort to help strengthen the population of this rare species. Seedlings were carefully raised in our nursery and recently planted near the identified mother plants on the estate. But conservation is never just about planting. A key part of this programme was involving the estate workers themselves. The people who work closely with the land are often the first to notice subtle changes in their surroundings. By engaging them in the planting process, they learn to recognise the species and understand its importance, allowing them to actively protect new plants that emerge naturally in the area. This simple step helps create long-term protection for the species. Guided by Expertise The project is being guided by the expertise of Dr. Bathiya Gopallawa, ensuring that the planting, monitoring, and care of the species follow the right scientific practices. The plant belongs to the Balsam family and is locally known as the kuudalu variety. Importantly, it is endemic to Sri Lanka, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world. It is also distinct from the more commonly known Indian varieties of balsam, which makes its conservation even more significant. A Small Step for Nature, A Big Step for Conservation Efforts like this remind us that conservation is often about patience, collaboration, and careful stewardship. A plant that once disappeared from the wild now has a chance to grow again, supported by scientists, conservationists, and the very people who work the land every day. Together, we are proud to play a small role in bringing this remarkable species back from the brink.
A Session For Our Plantation Suppliers to Strengthen Resilience
While much of the world races to make tea cheaper, we continue to focus on making its future ‘Stronger Together’. As part of our Sustainable Supply Chain Roadmap, last month we hosted the latest session of Stronger Together initiative, an effort to strengthen ESG sustainability for our supply chain. This session brought together teams from Kahawatte Plantations for a discussion on building a responsible, sustainable and competitive tea supply chain. “While the global tea industry is often driven by cost, at Dilmah we continue to choose quality. Not because it is easy, but because it is right. Quality remains our foundation and will guide us all the way to 2030. It is what protects our consumers, supports our growers, and safeguards the integrity of Ceylon tea.” – DILHAN C. FERNANDO – CHAIRMAN, DILMAH CEYLON TEA Building on this, our keynote speaker, Mr. Rohitha Wickramasinghe, Management Systems Implementation, Training and Governance Professional, brought a wider global lens to the discussion. “Today’s consumers, are looking far beyond price tags. They want to know the story behind their tea. They are asking about carbon footprints, water use, ethical practices, and environmental impact. Sustainability is no longer a “nice to have.” It is an expectation.” Sri Lanka is already recognised for producing some of the cleanest teas in the world, but maintaining that reputation requires systems, discipline, and constant improvement. Through an interactive group activity led by Mr. Rohitha, participants reflected on practical realities within the estates discussing challenges, responsibilities, and opportunities to strengthen systems that work not only on paper, but in the field. A key highlight of the event was the introduction of our Agricultural Code of Conduct, setting clear, unified standards across our supply chain covering responsible farming practices, food safety, ethical conduct, and environmental stewardship. It provides structure and clarity, ensuring that everyone moves in the same direction with shared accountability. Adding to this, Mr. Binesh, CEO of Kahawatte Plantations offered valuable insights from the estate perspective, speaking openly about day-to-day realities on the ground, reminding us that true sustainability must be practical, measurable, and supportive of those who work closest to the land. Through the continued efforts of Dilmah Conservation and the MJF Charitable Foundation, we remain committed to addressing environmental, social, and governance priorities across our value chain. But what this event reinforced is simple: sustainability is not a department or a checklist. It is a shared commitment. A commitment to safeguarding consumer health, protecting farmer livelihoods, and preserving the environment are deeply connected.
Say Hello to D-Island: A Unique Home for Sri Lanka’s Rare Dipterocarps
At our Endane Biodiversity Corridor in Rathnapura, something special was brought to life – D-Island, a one-of-a-kind arboretum in Sri Lanka. Created earlier this year in partnership with the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, D-Island is a living collection dedicated to the Dipterocarpaceae family – a group of trees that form the backbone of our lowland rainforests. In just two days, we planted 40 seedlings representing 33 of the 58 Dipterocarpaceae species found in Sri Lanka. That’s more than half the species there! Why Dipterocarps? Dipterocarps grow slowly, and their seeds don’t last long, making natural regeneration tough. D-Island builds on Dilmah Conservation’s earlier arboretum efforts at Endane. First came the Memecylon plot, a unique nursery for threatened Memecylon species – some newly discovered. Now, D-Island takes things further, giving Sri Lanka’s slow-growing, rare Dipterocarps their own dedicated space. These special nurseries are vital as they protect threatened species and give them a real chance to thrive. Conserving and restoring these plants helps connect forest patches, support wildlife, safeguard biodiversity, and secure a future for these trees in Sri Lanka’s forests – just as we’ve been doing in our Endane Biodiversity Corridor, showing steady progress over the years. What’s next? We plan to promote these arebeortums as spaces for further learning about these flora species for both the general public and specialist groups. We imagine that such initiatives will awaken a new found love for botany among a new generation.