Author: Shakila Ifham

It often starts with a dream, a vision of a better future for yourself, your family, and your community. For many small business owners, that dream faces a harsh reality – limited resources, operational hurdles, marketing challenges, and the struggle to grow beyond a simple idea. But what happens when a little bit of support comes along? That’s when a business becomes more than just a source of income, it becomes a force for good. At Dilmah, we believe that true goodness extends far beyond a cup of tea. It’s about empowering people, fostering community, and making business a matter of human service. Our Small Entrepreneur Programme (SEP) by the MJF Charitable Foundation is a testament to this philosophy, acting as a catalyst for individuals who are not only building their own businesses but are also enriching the lives of others. The stories of some of our recent SEP grantees are a powerful reminder of this shared prosperity. For 36-year-old Sathiyareka, her journey began with her keen interest in making a sustainable profit utilising coconut and palm leaves. With the SEP grant, she acquired a crucial tool, the bench grinder, that transformed her handicraft business by multiplying her production. She even mentored 22 other women in her community, teaching them crafts and helping them to find means of making their own source of income. This is an example of how one woman’s dedication could empower an entire community of women to succeed in any niche. Pranavi is also from the east of the country like Sathiyareka. This jewellery designer and business owner is also a beneficiary of our SEP grant programme. From selling her handcrafted jewellery at local markets to building an international presence, she has proven that passion and dedication are two crucial elements to succeed at almost anything in life. Like Sathiyareka, Pranavi too has stepped into the shoes as a mentor, conducting jewellery making short courses, training over 40 students in Sri Lanka, France and Canada, and inspiring a new generation of creators. Mujeeth is a small entrepreneur who transformed his business by embracing a simple truth – control and quality go hand in hand. Before receiving his SEP grant, he was reliant on a third – party supplier for grinding his spices, a process that was both costly and inefficient. With the grant, Mujeeth was able to fully execute his business in – house – from sourcing sustainable raw materials to grinding and packaging his products. This not only improved the quality of his brand ‘Mite Spice’, but also gave him a sense of ownership and the ambition to someday collaborate with Dilmah. These are just three examples of over 2,000 entrepreneurs the MJF Charitable Foundation has supported over the last 20 years. Their stories are a testament to the fact that when we invest in people, we’re not just funding a business – we’re fueling a dream, building a community, and creating a prosperous world for everyone. It’s a reminder that every small step, every grant, and every act of support can make a world of difference.

The 32nd AIDEX Annual Sports Festival was a powerful showcase of human resilience and determination with every step taken, jump made and arrow drawn. And on the sidelines -the spirit of kindness continued throughout the day – with every cheer, applause and act of support,  motivating each participant as they crossed the finish line. We’re talking about the Dilmah volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to support the inspiring participants.  On Sunday, the 31st of August 2025, the Air Force Grounds in Colombo were glorified with the sunlight and the shadows of the crowd that were present to cheer, participate, and, of course, volunteer at the 32nd AIDEX Annual Sports Festival for persons with disabilities. It was a day of celebration, with 304 determined individuals, from 3 -year – old game – changers to resilient participants in their 80s, competing in a wide array of over 70 sporting events.  This event itself reflects its name “AIDEX” – Aid to the Ex-Able!  Many Moons Ago…  This extraordinary event traces back 32 years to the vision of Prof. A.H. Sheriffdeen and the Colombo Friend-in-Need Society (CFINS), Sri Lanka’s oldest charity. With a mission to ensure “They shall not suffer,” CFINS has provided over 40,134 free artificial limbs, and AIDEX stands as a symbol of the confidence and dignity these limbs provide.  For over two decades, Dilmah has been a steadfast partner of AIDEX, based on the friendship between Dilmah Founder Merrill J. Fernando and Chairman of AIDEX Prof. Sheriffdeen which was rooted in shared values of kindness. Through the MJF Charitable Foundation, Dilmah’s support for AIDEX is a living embodiment of our Founder’s principle of business being a matter of human service, not just through funding, but also the passionate support of its employees.  Dilmah Volunteers at AIDEX! The real magic of AIDEX is best described by those who were there on the ground. Two Dilmah volunteers shared their personal experiences, highlighting the impact of this event from a different perspective.  Hashitha Rathnaweera – Assistant Manager, Quality Assurance:  “It was a true privilege to attend the AIDEX Sports Meet for the first time as a Dilmah volunteer. The courage and determination I saw was deeply inspiring, from a 3-year-old running a race to an elderly gentleman competing in archery with a profound sense of purpose. I was moved by the sheer joy and spirit of everyone involved. The event was flawlessly organised, and I felt immense pride in Dilmah’s role. This was more than just a sports festival; it was a testament to the power of human resilience. Thank you for this unforgettable and heartwarming experience. I look forward to being part of AIDEX again.” Hasitha Kanagaraj – Shipping Executive: “Volunteering at AIDEX 2025 was a heartwarming experience for me. Representing Dilmah, a company that extends its kindness through so many charitable services, I felt incredibly grateful to be part of a mission that values humanity above all. The event was a beautiful reminder that when compassionate hearts come together, lives can be touched in extraordinary ways. The archery event stood out for me — it was a powerful display of strength, courage and determination. This experience has deepened my passion to continue making an impact, however small. As our Founder believed, kindness multiplies when it is shared, and at AIDEX, I witnessed that in every single moment.” AIDEX 2025 was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we give place for everyone’s abilities to take root. The stories of courage and the unwavering support of the volunteers show that we all have a role to play, and if played wisely, we create a society that is equivalent for everyone. After all, the race for a better world is one we can all run together.

The MJF Foundation’s Kalkudah Centre empowers the Eastern community of Sri Lanka with health, educational support, sports, and entrepreneurial grants. Over the last month, the MJF Foundation’s Kalkudah Centre concluded several significant community-focused activities, demonstrating the MJF Foundation’s deep commitment to enhancing health, education and economic stability in the Batticaloa region. The initiatives included involvement at a health clinic, support for promising young athletes, a large-scale grant distribution, and progress in vocational training programmes. A mega health clinic was organised by the Regional Director of Health Services, Batticaloa, to provide vital medical services to a community in the Vavunatheevu division. The MJF Foundation assessed 16 individuals for mobility assistance. Together with the generous support from ‘Free Wheelchair Mission USA’, they assembled and delivered 14 custom-fitted wheelchairs. “The gratitude from the recipients was a powerful reminder of the significance of such initiatives,” an observer explained. In celebration of local talent, five students from the Bharathi Vidyalaya, a school supported by the MJF Foundation, were recognised for their athletic skills. Despite competing barefoot, the students won their events at the Zonal meet and qualified for the Provincial level for the first time. They were honoured with new running spikes, symbolising a boost for their athletic futures. The East Centre also hosted the second grant distribution for the Small Entrepreneur Programme (SEP), as part of the Foundation’s bi-annual grant distribution. A total of 95 beneficiaries received grants worth LKR 11 million to launch and expand their businesses. The District Secretary of Batticaloa, Mrs. Muralitharan, praised the MJF Foundation’s late founder Merrill J. Fernando and Dilmah Chairman and CEO Dilhan C. Fernando who is also a Trustee of the Foundation for their support. The SEP is a significant initiative in the East, having provided 633 grants over the last 15 years. Vocational training for youth is another important aspect of the Foundation’s commitment to the East, with several courses curated to enhance the artisanal industries in the East such as Aari craftsmanship and palmyrah weaving. The Foundation also offers national and internationally accredited programmes such as the Empower Culinary and Hospitality School (ECHS) which is Sri Lanka’s only World Association of Chefs’ Societies certified culinary school. A highlight of August was the People’s Market – a quarterly event that offers local micro entrepreneurs an opportunity to grow their brands and expand their businesses. This August’s market saw 62 local micro entrepreneurs, including 48 SEP beneficiaries, showcasing their products. Despite the unpredictable rains, the event drew over 200 attendees.