Author: Purnima Pilapitiya
When the Global Dilmah Family Visited the Heart of Dilmah…
Just a week ago our MJF Centre in Moratuwa was buzzing with the energy, smiles and enthusiasm of over 300 members of our Global Dilmah Family!
A key part of the Dilmah Partner Conference and School of Tea programmes was visiting what we consider the heart of Dilmah. They spent productive afternoons understanding the work of the MJF Charitable Foundation and learning about the purpose behind our Founder’s mission to #MakeTheWorldABetterTea. They assembled wheelchairs, learnt skills from our artisans and had impromptu cricket matches with our beneficiaries! It wasn’t only an afternoon of fun, but an opportunity to connect, learn from each other, and understand how and why we are a business that serves humanity. 
When Budding Young Chefs Meet Culinary Experts
At the Empower Culinary & Hospitality School (ECHS) we believe that following the right recipe is just as important as learning through practice and mentorship. We were excited to have culinary experts from Resplendent Ceylon to inspire our budding young chefs. Chef Nishantha Pushpakumara, Head of Culinary Standards, Resplendent Ceylon, Ishara Wijesinghe, Executive Chef, Cape Weligama and ECHS alumni Chef Wijaya Kumara (Gold Medallist, Iron Chef – 2022) also from Cape Weligama spent the day mentoring our ECHS students with an inspiring masterclass. Launched in 2016, the ECHS is Sri Lanka’s only Worldchefs certified culinary training facility and one of several empowerment programmes conducted by Dilmah’s MJF Charitable Foundation. As an inclusive learning environment, the ECHS has produced over 280 culinary professionals who have become restaurateurs and entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka and abroad.
Kindness Day 2025
May 6th is a significant day for the Dilmah family – the birth anniversary of our Founder Merrill J. Fernando. When we remember him, it is not only as the world’s most experienced teamaker, but as a man who devoted his life to preserving the integrity of Ceylon Tea and championing kindness towards people and planet. What better way to celebrate him than through sharing kindness with those less fortunate because he believed that business is a matter of human service. Every year, on May 6th, the founding family and MJF Group teams reiterate their commitment to his vision towards making a stand for kindness. At the heart of the Dilmah Head Office, where he spent so much of his time, plans are afoot to extend that cup of kindness through their own efforts too. This year, food packs, containing essential items to feed an average family for two weeks, are being shared with factory colleagues from several of our subsidiaries. In addition to nearly 1,000 packs for our colleagues, 400 elderly, retired workers on Kahawatte Plantations in Nawalapitiya and Kahawatte and over 600 of the most needy families in some of the most rural and far reaching corners of Sri Lanka received packs through our MJF Foundation Centres in the North and East. These packs also found their way to low income communities in the urban areas of Moratuwa, Peliyagoda and Kolonnawa. Meanwhile, 40 packs were presented to the families of children suffering from cancer who are being cared for at Suwa Arana – Sri Lanka’s first Paediatric Palliative Care Centre – where our Founder also contributed a special family wing for patients and their families to occupy during treatment. Our extended MJF family – our staff – also made their own generous contributions to lunch and gifts offered to 26 children at the Peter Weerasekera Children’s Home in Yakkala, 20 pregnant mothers and 42 children at the Mother Theresa Home in Moratuwa, and 90 elders at the Mother Theresa Home in Mattakkuliya. At our MJF Centre East, our team headed to the Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre in Mavadivembu to provide lunch and a day of fellowship with 42 patients. The spirit of volunteerism is infectious and far reaching amongst our colleagues who regularly contribute not only their resources but their time and effort to engage with the MJF Charitable Foundation and Dilmah Conservation in their varied humanitarian activities – reflecting our Founder’s legacy to Make The World A Better Tea, one that nurtures and grows.
Empowering Sri Lanka’s Future Writers
When our founder, Merrill J. Fernando, set out to take Ceylon Tea to the world, he wasn’t just building a brand – he was telling the story of Ceylon Tea with a purpose. He believed that storytelling is more than just sharing facts — it’s about connecting with others, preserving culture and inspiring change. His belief is the driving force behind our continued commitment to empowering the next generation of storytellers through the Future Writers Programme presented by Dilmah as part of the HSBC Ceylon Literary & Arts Festival. For the second consecutive year, the Future Writers Programme has become a cornerstone for young Sri Lankan writers to nurture their craft and share their unique voices. With over 150 entries this year, it’s clear that there is a vibrant and eager community of emerging writers in Sri Lanka, ready to share their stories with the world. This year’s participants were inspired by two powerful themes: ‘Whispers from the Jungle’ and ‘Echoes of the Protector’. The stories submitted by the youth were deeply thought-provoking, imaginative and reflective of the culture, beauty and experiences that define Sri Lanka. Others featured plot twists and perceptions that challenged and expanded the perspective of the given theme. Speaking at the event, Dilhan C. Fernando, Tea Grower and Chairman/CEO of Dilmah, emphasised the importance of storytelling in today’s generation. He said, “Creativity is what differentiates us in this age of AI and so much mundane automation. It’s creativity that will make us distinct and give us an identity. It is only by being creative and getting in touch with your imagination that one can achieve anything. Therefore, it makes me so happy to see several young people submitting to story competitions and nurturing their creative futures.” The highlight of this year’s programme was the announcement of the winners — Hafsa Rizvi, Taleetha Wambeck and Sohara Bandaranayake. Hafsa took the top prize with her compelling story on the topic ‘Whispers from the Jungle’, while Taleetha and Sohara claimed First and Second Runner-up honours for ‘When The Trees Hold Their Breath’ and ‘Echoes of the Protector’ respectively. These talented writers were awarded cash prizes and a mentorship opportunity with Ameena Hussein, an award-winning author and publisher. The mentorship will provide valuable guidance as they continue their literary journeys, helping them hone their craft and make their mark on Sri Lankan literature. But the impact of the Future Writers Programme extends beyond just recognition. Savin Edirisinghe, last year’s winner, has already made waves by being shortlisted for the 32nd Gratiaen Prize — a prestigious accomplishment that demonstrates the potential this programme has to launch young writers into the literary world. This is just the beginning… We are excited to watch these young voices evolve and make their impact on the literary world. To read the stories of this year’s top 11 finalists, visit: www.ceylonliteraryfestival.com
Discovering the Heart of the MJF Foundation: A Volunteer’s Perspective
Jemima Mohammed recounts her time as a volunteer at the MJF Foundation Centre West in Moratuwa… “The Merrill J. Fernando (MJF) Charitable Foundation is more than just a charity – it is a home and a sanctuary for many including myself. As a student freshly out of school, it was my goal to work at a non-profit organisation. However, I did not anticipate harbouring such a deep connection to a place as I have with the MJF Foundation. The community is tight-knit, and the people here never fail to welcome you with open arms. “After a customary round of introductions and a tour of the Moratuwa centre, my first day was filled with the contagious energy and laughter of the preschool students. The teachers were supportive and constantly willing to guide me on how to effectively cater to their students’ needs. A special shout out goes to all the teachers whose creativity and dedication transform delightful chaos into informative learning. Whilst being a non-profit school consisting of a preschool, primary and youth section, the Centre also offers a wide range of activities, many of which encourage the involvement of its volunteers. “In the morning, it operates as a fully functioning school where you can assist the students with their daily learning. Later, you’re free to explore a variety of extracurricular activities. If you’re eager to try your hand at carpentry, dive into the art of soap making or even learn the process of assembling a wheelchair, MJF is the place to go. Those being only a few of many activities they present. It not only provides opportunities to learn new skills but also challenges the stigma surrounding disabilities. The atmosphere at the Foundation may be warm but it is the people that truly bring it to life. Between visits to Mrs. Rehana’s and Mr. Angelo’s offices (which always promises good conversation) to savouring a good cup of Sarath Uncle’s tea, my experience as a volunteer has been nothing short of fulfilling.” If you’d like to volunteer at the MJF Charitable Foundation, which has Centres in Moratuwa, Rajagiriya, Weligama, Kalkudah and Jaffna, please complete this form: https://www.mjffoundation.org/volunteer.html or email: rehana.wettasinghe@mjffoundation.org
National Women’s Cricket Team joins our first MJF Inclusive Cricket Carnival
What’s better than some Saturday afternoon cricket? Cricket played at our first ever MJF Inclusive Cricket Carnival! The first-time event, organised by Dilmah’s MJF Foundation, was attended by 101 children and youth with Down Syndrome and other developmental disabilities. In addition, 113 volunteers from Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company, MAS Holdings, organisations such as Samutthana and Mentour Psychology Placements, AYATI Trust, the universities of Kelaniya, Colombo, ICBT, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, UNISTEM and schools such as Gateway College, Holy Family Convent – Bambalapitiya, Lyceum and Asian International Schools, and the Little People Association participated. What made this cricket match even more special? A special appearance by the national women’s cricket team whose energy was truly contagious! This sporting encounter brought together children and youth of all ages and abilities – teaching and fostering an environment of awareness and inclusivity and building connections. Empowering and supporting children with disabilities is a key pillar of the MJF Charitable Foundation. Since 2011, the MJF Charitable Foundation’s ‘Rainbow Programme’ has empowered 3,500 toddlers, children and youth with education, vocational training, occupational, speech and psychological therapy, arts education and more. What makes the Rainbow Programme unique is the inclusive activities and initiatives introduced to integrate children of all ages, talents and abilities in activities, while respecting and understanding the sensitivities and developmental challenges they face. Describing the successful event, Rehana Wettasinghe, Manager of the MJF Centres, said: “The inclusive cricket carnival was one of several ways in which the Foundation has curated memorable, inclusive initiatives for youth with disabilities and their peers. The event was not only a celebration of ability and sportsmanship, but an opportunity to better understand and bridge the gaps of awareness of developmental disorders, creating inclusive spaces for everyone.” The MJF Inclusive Cricket Carnival 2025 was followed by the People’s Market – a marketplace event organised to support and empower budding small businesses and rising entrepreneurs. Learn more about the work of the MJF Charitable Foundation at https://www.facebook.com/MJFCF/ and https://www.instagram.com/mjffoundation/.
60 dreams fulfilled at the People’s Market in Kalkudah
The second People’s Market in Kalkudah celebrated local crafts, artisanal food and creative entrepreneurs. Almost 1,200 visitors from Kalkudah, Batticaloa and the surrounding areas made their way to the VC Grounds in Valaichchenai to support 60 micro-businesses who were selling their wares at the market. These businesses are part of the MJF Charitable Foundation’s Small Entrepreneur Programme that provides grants and technical expertise.
Women’s Day at Dilmah and the MJF Foundation
Accelerating action for women’s health and empowerment – that was our focus at Women’s Day events at Dilmah HQ and the MJF Centre in Moratuwa. Our Women’s Development Programme, in partnership with the Lions Club Panadura and Panadura Eye Hospital, brought vital services and knowledge sharing to our MJF Centre in Moratuwa. The event brought together women from Moratuwa and Weligama for eye tests and health checks, they listened to empowering lectures and there was a market sale by women-led micro-businesses. At the Dilmah Head Office, all teams were invited to an inclusive awareness and counselling programme to benefit personal and professional lives. #IWD2025 #InternationalWomensDay #AccelerateAction
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