Author: Purnima Pilapitiya
Women Empowerment at Dilmah’s MJF Foundation Centre East
On 25th March 2026, the MJF Charitable Foundation East successfully hosted a comprehensive full-day workshop titled ‘Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Rights, Justice & Action in the Online Space’. This initiative brought together 42 determined women for a curriculum designed to bridge the gap between entrepreneurial ambition and the technical realities of the modern digital marketplace. The programme began with a focus on identity and value-based introductions, establishing a professional foundation rooted in confidence and shared purpose. The day’s agenda was rigorously practical, moving participants through a series of high-level business exercises. A core component of the workshop involved conducting detailed SWOT analyses to identify market opportunities and internal strengths, followed by intensive sessions on branding and storytelling. Recognising that digital presence is non-negotiable in 2026, we prioritised a deep dive into digital safety and online rights. This ensured that our entrepreneurs are not only visible online but are also protected and aware of their legal and digital protections. To sharpen their communication skills, each participant engaged in a 60-second business pitch activity, refining their ability to present complex ideas with clarity and impact. The outcomes of this workshop represent a significant step forward for local economic empowerment. Participants emerged with an enhanced understanding of business development and a refined strategy for their personal and professional branding. Beyond the tactical skills, the true impact lies in the strengthened leadership and newfound confidence these women now possess. By equipping them with the tools to use online platforms safely and effectively, we are fostering a more resilient and sophisticated entrepreneurial ecosystem. We look forward to seeing these 42 leaders translate their future visions into tangible business growth.
My Experience at the MJF Inclusive Cricket Carnival : A Dilmah Volunteer’s Perspective
Ruaani Rajapakse, Dilmah Management Trainee, shares her experience volunteering with the MJF Foundation for World Down Syndrome Day. Volunteering has always been my way of giving back, and something I find a lot of meaning in. I’ve always loved showing up where I’m needed, especially in spaces where people may not always receive the attention or support that they deserve. It aligns deeply with who I am and what I believe in. To sit with and uplift those who are often overlooked. For me, it’s never about doing something big, but simply about being present and kind. The smiles, laughter, and quiet connections you build are the moments that stay with you long after the day ends, reminding you why it all matters. Resilience in Action: Guest Players with the National Women’s Cricket and National Wheelchair Cricket Teams Being a part of the MJF Inclusive Cricket Carnival organized by Dilmah’s MJF Foundation for World Down Syndrome Day was truly one of those unforgettable experiences. I had the opportunity to be on the field, playing cricket alongside the participants, cheering them on and simply sharing in their joy. What stood out to me the most was the incredible spirit and passion each person brought to the game. The presence of the National Wheelchair Cricket team was especially inspiring. Their grit, strength and determination were nothing short of remarkable. Despite the challenges they face, they show up with such confidence and perform with such skill. It was a powerful reminder that talent and passion know no boundaries! Throughout the day I found myself in awe of the talent, joy and love that filled the space. It shifted my perspective in the best way possible. Everyone carries their own unique strengths and that challenges do not define one’s ability or potential. If anything, it made me reflect on how easy it is for us to take what we have for granted, when others continue to show resilience and strength in ways we often overlook. I ended the day feeling incredibly grateful to have been part of something so meaningful and even more certain of my desire to continue volunteering. I may not be able to change the world, but I truly believe that I can at least play a part in making someone’s world a little brighter.
A Lifeline on Wheels Thanks to Dilmah
Dilmah’s MJF Charitable Foundation is Supporting Cancer Patients with Free Transport Services The Merrill J. Fernando (MJF) Charitable Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to community wellbeing through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Cyril Dharmawardana Foundation (CDF). This MoU is to sponsor the operational costs of three non-emergency patient transport ambulances dedicated to cancer care in Sri Lanka. These ambulances will serve communities across key regions of the island, spanning from Mullaitivu to Jaffna in the North, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa in the North Central Province and from Weligama through Yala up to Badulla in the Southern and Uva regions. The service ensures that cancer patients can travel safely and comfortably to the nearest hospitals, including the National Cancer Hospital in Maharagama, entirely free of charge, regardless of distance or circumstance. The Cyril Dharmawardana Foundation, an Australian-based non-profit organisation, operates one of the largest ambulance fleets in Sri Lanka dedicated to cancer patient transport. In collaboration with the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia, the Cyril Dharmawardana Foundation focuses on supporting terminally ill patients by providing reliable, compassionate transport between hospitals and homes throughout their treatment journey. With continued donor support such as from Dilmah, the CDF aims to expand its reach to serve more communities in need. This partnership represents another meaningful milestone in the MJF Charitable Foundation’s ongoing efforts in cancer patient care and advocacy. In Sri Lanka, the MJF Foundation is supporting the government’s national effort to end cervical cancer by donating test kits to help early detection and improve survival rates for women. A separate floor was built at Suwa Arana, Sri Lanka’s first paediatric palliative care centre, by the MJF Foundation. In Australia, from July 2025, Dilmah has joined hands to support Cancer Council Australia in a five-year partnership. Dilmah Chairman & CEO Dilhan C. Fernando said, “Forty years ago, my father envisaged a business that serves humanity with kindness to people and nature. Today we strive to offer cups of kindness through our Dilmah tea.” Rooted in Dilmah’s philosophy of kindness, the CDF sponsorship initiative reflects the belief that business success must be shared to uplift lives and communities. By enabling equitable access to essential healthcare services, Dilmah continues to demonstrate that purpose-driven enterprise can create a lasting, positive impact, transforming lives with compassion and integrity.
Dilmah’s Commitment to Human Service Through Free Wheelchair Distribution
Mobility is more than movement; it is dignity, independence, and the freedom to participate fully in life. Since 2023, the MJF Charitable Foundation (MJFCF) has been privileged to partner with the Free Wheelchair Mission (FWM), working together to restore that freedom to individuals living with disabilities across Sri Lanka. Through this partnership, we have received two generous shipments of 520 wheelchairs each in February 2024 and February 2025, provided free of charge by FWM USA. While the wheelchairs themselves are gifted, we at Dilmah’s MJFCF bear the shipping and clearing costs to ensure they are distributed efficiently and responsibly through our Moratuwa, Rajagiriya, and East Centres. Each recipient and institution are carefully documented, with transparent reporting submitted to FWM, reinforcing our shared commitment to accountability and meaningful impact. Founded in 2001, Free Wheelchair Mission has distributed over 1.5 million wheelchairs across 95 countries, becoming the world’s largest nonprofit manufacturer of cost-efficient, durable wheelchairs designed for under-resourced communities. Their mission is to provide renewed dignity, independence, and hope, which aligns seamlessly with Dilmah’s ethos of business as a matter of human service. Every wheelchair delivered represents more than assistance; it represents possibility. Through this enduring collaboration, we continue to reaffirm our commitment to Make The World A Better Tea, one life empowered and one journey renewed at a time.
A Cup of Kindness For Every Ability
Inclusion Begins with Conversation: Dilmah’s Disability Sensitization Programme for Government Officials. Our recent Disability Sensitization Programme brought together 50 dedicated government officials for a day of meaningful learning, reflection, and transformation. Guided by the experienced therapists and facilitators from the MJF Foundation Centre in Moratuwa and the Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy & other Developmental Disorders (CCCPDD), the session created a safe and dynamic space to explore disability advocacy and leadership through awareness beyond theory, grounding it in empathy and practical action. What made the programme truly impactful was the diversity of leadership present. Representatives from Sri Lanka’s public sector including the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security & Community Empowerment, the Department of Social Services, the Secretariat for Persons with Disabilities, and the National Lotteries Board joined Human Resource and Social Service Officers in a shared commitment: to strengthen inclusion across public institutions. The dialogue was interactive and reflective, reinforcing our Founder’s enduring belief in championing all abilities through dignified empowerment. This initiative builds on our broader disability-focused programmes, including the Rainbow Horizons – one of MJFCF’s holistic disability education initiatives and our speech, physiological, cognitive, and physical therapy units, which have supported over 3,000 beneficiaries across the east, west, and south of Sri Lanka. Every conversation, every insight shared, is a #CupOfKindness extended to the community. By equipping those who serve the public with deeper awareness and sensitivity, we move closer to a society rooted in dignity and equal opportunity. When we choose inclusion at Dilmah, we choose to Make The World A Better Tea, one informed decision, and one empowered life, at a time.
The MJF Foundation’s Ongoing Impact on Cervical Cancer Screening in Sri Lanka
What does a cup of tea have to do with women’s health? In Sri Lanka, cervical cancer claims the lives of approximately 700 women every year. It is the second-highest cancer incidence among females in our nation — a statistic that is even more heartbreaking because it is a disease that is almost entirely preventable. This Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, we are reflecting on a journey of resilience and partnership. In late 2024, amidst acute economic and medical resource constraints, the MJF Charitable Foundation stepped in to sustain Sri Lanka’s national screening programme for cervical cancer. By donating 17,095 HPV DNA test kits (an investment of LKR 75 million), we ensured that the momentum toward eliminating this disease did not falter. According to recent statistics from Rotary Club of Colombo, 24,300 women were screened across the Western and North Western Provinces of which 1,900 tested HPV-positive and were immediately guided into life-saving care. True impact requires more than just resources; it requires a community. Last year, we hosted a knowledge sharing event alongside the Family Health Bureau, the Ministry of Health and Rotary Club of Colombo. By bringing together corporate leaders, medical professionals, and academic stakeholders, we opened a vital dialogue on how the private sector can support national healthcare goals. It was a testament to what we can achieve when we move from simple donation to strategic, collective action. Sri Lanka is already a global leader in HPV vaccination, exceeding 90% coverage. By focusing on the next pillar – early detection, the country is on track with its goal to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2030. Every cup of Dilmah tea contributes to initiatives like this. We remain deeply committed to our Founder’s vision to #MakeTheWorldABetterTea – one where health and hope are accessible to every woman in Sri Lanka.
What is ‘Empower IT’?
In 2024, we started a free learning initiative designed to provide computer literacy to our factory associates. This January, we celebrated our first two graduating classes! This is much more than just a certificate; it’s an opportunity for our factory and production team members to expand their knowledge and skills and to open doors towards furthering their aspirations. Over the last 2 years, Empower IT too has grown, with recognition by the National Vocational Qualification System (NVQ) and the launch of the Advanced IT course. 19 of our production and factory team members are already leveling up to the advanced stage! Sri Lanka still has a lower national computer literacy rate of 38.4% (Source: Department of Census and Statistics, 2025). But we are committed towards Making the World A Better Tea, starting from our home at the Dilmah Tea headquarters. With initiatives like this, we are committed to ensuring that no one in our workforce is left behind.
Kindness Across Distances
Dilmah Partners Stand by Sri Lanka after Natural Disaster For the past eight years, the festive season has held a special tradition for Dilmah, marked by the annual visit of our dedicated partners from Japan – the Tokai Co-op – Consumers Cooperative and our distributor, Waltz & Co. This enduring relationship goes beyond business. Every year, the teams make the long trip to Sri Lanka to visit our Kahawatte Plantations in the hilly Nawalapitiya region. Their mission is simple yet heartwarming: to gift over 70 preschoolers from our tea garden families with brand new school bags and essential school supplies, ensuring they are well-equipped for the coming academic year. Kindness in the Face of Disaster The planned trip this December, marking the eighth consecutive year of their commitment, coincided with one of the most challenging periods Sri Lanka has faced recently followed Cyclone Ditwah. It devastated parts of Sri Lanka, especially the hill country, the very region where our plantations are located. Despite the severe disruptions, our friends from the Tokai Co-op and Waltz & Co. stood firm. They refused to cancel their travel plans, demonstrating a profound dedication that truly defines the spirit of partnership and compassion. What was intended as a gesture of back-to-school cheer quickly transformed into a vital lifeline for hundreds of families affected by the disaster. The promised gift of school bags and supplies for the children of the plantation became essential relief items, helping those who had lost everything to the floods and landslides. Lending a Hand Beyond the Estates While they were unable to visit the estates due to the severe weather and safety concerns, the Tokai Co-op and Waltz & Co. teams immediately pivoted their efforts. They spent their time at the MJF Foundation Centre in Moratuwa, rolling up their sleeves and lending a crucial hand to our relief operations. They assisted to pack rations and humanitarian aid to be urgently sent to the families most in need across the affected regions. This visit, during one of the country’s most challenging moments, underscored a powerful truth: the strongest friendships are those based on shared kindness and unwavering support. Their commitment to the communities that produce Dilmah tea, even when the path was difficult, is a beautiful testament to the humanitarian heart of our partnership.