IMPACT - Family Business Serving Humanity through Kindness to Humans and Nature
More than anything at Dilmah, we believe in being kind.
Kindness is at the heart of everything we do.
We spread kindness by doing everything with care and respect.
This means respecting nature – sustainably growing only the finest ingredients and protecting the environment.
Respecting our workers – providing them with good working conditions and being kind to their families.
Respecting our customers – we do not mix our teas. We uphold the highest standards and do not compromise quality to enhance profit.
We make the best tea in the world and use our earnings to support those that need that little bit of kindness the most.
A Message of Kindness from Our Founder
In 1985, we set out to make the world a better tea.
That’s why we grow our own, unlike other tea companies, then pick the best leaves by hand, not machine, and pack it super-fresh right here in Sri Lanka. But it's not just the taste that makes our tea better, 15% of our profit goes to humanity. Which leaves just one more thing to say…
do try it!
Dilmah is a family business, established by its Founder Merrill J. Fernando, with the philosophy that business must also be a matter of human service. Kindness to people and nature forms the heart of all that we do. That kindness extends to our community in Sri Lanka and overseas through Dilmah and the Dilmah funded Merrill J. Fernando (MJF) Charitable Foundation. In fulfilling our Founder’s pledge to serve humanity, we have spent over 7 billion rupees for the welfare of people and nature.
“I wanted my passion for tea to benefit my customers, workers, marginalised people in the community and the environment; I made Dilmah a business that is also a matter of human service”
MERRILL J FERNANDO Founder of Dilmah Tea
Merrill J. Fernando Charitable Foundation
The Merrill J. Fernando Foundation was formed to fulfill our Founder’s desire to make his business a matter of human service. One of the region’s largest private charitable Foundations, it focuses on directly, efficiently and effectively delivering transformational impact to less fortunate communities, differently abled children and youth, while empowering women, youth and men with dignity through free education, vocational training, entrepreneurship, nutrition, provision of medical infrastructure. It also cares for the elderly and fosters advocacy. Together with Dilmah Conservation the MJF Foundation connects with our belief that success is a blessing that must be shared. Merrill J. Fernando disrupted a tea industry that was captive to a colonial economic system. He devoted his life to tea, and overcame the obstacles to realizing his dream of a genuinely ethical tea, with faith in God and His Grace. A minimum 15% of the pretax profits of Dilmah Tea and our associate businesses funds the work of the Foundation.
Our Founder pledged to serve humanity through his business. So, a minimum 15% of Dilmah’s pretax profits benefit less fortunate people and nature.
Your cup of tea funds every initiative through Foundation touching different segments of the community, creating a ripple effect of kindness in society.
Our key projects and initiatives involve;
Improving Life in the Plantations
Children and Youth Empowerment
Climate Action Environmental
Education
Reducing Inequality
Enabling the Disabled
Vocational Opportunities
disABILITY Advocacy
Improving Medical Infrastructure
COVID Response
Biodiversity Conservation
Ecosystem Restoration
Nature
Education
Ocean Conservation
Corporate Advocacy
Nature-based
Restored
84 Child Development
Centres for the welfare of over 6,600 Children in tea gardens
2000+ Entrepreneurs created through Small Entrepreneur Programme
240 Individuals supported through community-based organizations
Trained 252 young chefs through Dilmah’s Empower Schools in the East and West
Meeting the needs & demands of over 15,000 families through updated infrastructure & facilities in plantations
554 + scholarships awarded to students, supporting secondary and higher education
Vocational training provided for 6800 + youth in carpentry, dress making, IT and Graphics
Supporting 3500 + differently abled children with therapy and education
IMPACT
Empowering 1400+ women with dignity
Uplifting healthcare facilities for 240,000+ individuals across Sri Lanka
OUR LOCATIONS
Ampara
• The Small Entrepreneurs Programme
• Vocational Training
• MJF Kids
Batticaloa
• The Small Entrepreneurs Programme
• Women’s Empowerment
• Housing Project
• Community Centres
• Greening Batticaloa
• One Earth Conservation Centre
Colombo
• MJF Kids ProgrammePeliyagoda & Maligawatta
• Prison Reform and Reintegrate Programme
• National Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Disorders (NCCCPDD)
Hambantota
• The Small Entrepreneurs Programme
• Community Centre
• Water and Hygiene Programmes for Communities
• Educational Support and Recreation Facilities for Schools
Moratuwa
• MJF Kids
• Rainbow Centre
• Curtiss Institute for Design
• Cricket Live Foundation
• Empower Culinary & Hospitality School Women’s Development Programme
• Swashakthi Bakery & Tea Room
• Caring for the Elderly
• MJF Youth
Jaffna
• The Small Entrepreneurs Programme
• NCCCPDD Extension
Kandy
• NCCCPDD
• One Earth Urban Arboretum Moratuwa
• Heritage Centre
• One Earth Organic Farm
• Butterfly Garden
• Waste for Life
• Biogas Plant
Point Pedro
Kayts
Weligama
Kalkudah
• MJF Kids
• Rainbow Centre
• MJF Centre for Technology
• Empower Culinary and Hospitality School
• MJF Youth
• Women’s Development Programme
Negombo
• Pallansena Small Entrepreneurs Programme
• Home for the Elders
• MJF Kids
• Climate Smart Dairy Programme Point Pedro
Kayts
• Kayts Base Hospital
Monaragala
• The Small Entrepreneurs Programme
• Supporting the School for the Hearing & Visual Impaired
• Managing the Daskam Niwasa
• Diriya Centre for Vocational Training
• Orange Plantation in Pahalalanda
• MJF Kids
• Cricket Live Foundation
• Point Pedro Base Hospital
• MJF Kids
Ratnapura
• Mankada – livelihood assistance to communities in Udawalawe
• The School of Inspiration
• Elephant Transit Home
• Managing the Elephant Information Centre, Udawalawe
• Udawalawe Wildlife Programme
• Walawa Kantha Ekamuthuwa Weligama
• Women’s Development Programme
• The Small Entrepreneurs Programme
• MJF Kids
Plantations
in Ratnapura, Nuwara Eliya, Kahawatte, Endane Nawalapitiya, & Kandy
• Water and Hygiene Projects
• Educational Scholarships
• Support for Primary Education
• Child Development Centres
• Nutritional Improvement Programme
• Establishment of a Medical Centre
• Special Education
• Special Eye Care Programme
• Agroforestry
• Permanent Housing for the Workers
• The Small Entrepreneurs Programme
• Eco-Friendly Tea Gardens
• Biodiversity Refugees
• MJF Kids
• Nature Corridor
• Dilmah Conservation Centre for Climate Change Research and Adaptation (DCCCCRA)
CHANGING LIVES
Women’s Development Programme (WDP)
Communities prosper and countries thrive when women are empowered.
Dilmah’s MJF Foundation has identified the dire need to support the country’s women in a livelihood of their own over many years through our Women’s Development Programme.
The mushroom project in Kalkudah
The women in Kalkudah work with the MJF Centre in Kalkudah to initiate a mushroom cultivation project. In just 3 months, they were able to produce their first harvest, and recover their capital costs.
The WDP enables individuals to support themselves and their families financially while overcoming their physical and psychological disabilities.
Have you dropped by our Swashakthi Bakery and Tea Room in Moratuwa?
This unique initiative by the MJF Charitable Foundation runs with our talented ladies under the WDP. They offer a variety of wholesome organic foods at affordable prices.
Changing their tomorrow for the better - MJF Kids
We believe every child should have access to a quality education. At MJFCF, we create programmes and platforms across the country to support the holistic development of less privileged children by supporting them with programs to ensure that ttheir school education is uninterrupted.
MJF Kids programme operates in 10 centres covering Sri Lanka
• Peliyagoda,
• Maligawatte,
• Weragodella,
• Pallansena,
• Siyambalanduwa,
• Pahalalanda,
• Kalkudah,
• Weligama,
• Moratuwa
• Point Pedro
We conduct support classes on mathematics, science, English, Sinhala, Tamil, and dancing subjects while also focusing on developing their soft skills like personality development, confidence building, leadership training, arts and crafts activities too.
MJF Kids programme, has supported over 3500 young girls and boys , who, through fostering and guidance within the programme, have overcome many challenges in life and built on their strengths, to become ambitious young adults and productive citizens of Sri Lanka, despite the challenge of their underprivileged origins.
Daycare and Preschools in Moratuwa and Weligama Centres
Outdoor learning during COVID-19 outbreak
With the Pandemic, our Kids programmes continued with outdoor learning and community outreach programmes.
Tuk Tuk Books bring the joy of reading to your doorstep by rolling into the streets with music and books, spreading a culture of socially distant sharing. Books and toys were lent to children, most of whom have been away from school for most of the past one and a half years.
Also, the children and families were supported financially as well as psychologically to face the challenges during and post COVID. Introducing home gardening, awareness programmes, and other community outreach initiatives was immensely beneficial.
Rainbow Centres in Moratuwa, Weligama and East
Rainbow Centre provides development support for children with special needs.
Nipuni was born with Down Syndrome. And she joined our Moratuwa centre and found her passion in baking, dancing and music. Recently, earned her All-Round Cord for her outstanding service as a Girl Guide. Between baking, painting, music, and other creative pursuits, Nipuni found a way to express herself and find friends who filled her heart with happiness. Today, Nipuni works at the Swashakthi Bakery & Tea Room in Moratuwa and dedicates her free time to the Centre as an assistant teacher.
New Study Space for Children in Point Pedro - Anjali Aham
The new project worth, Rs. 12 MN is a part of 11 new study spaces that will provide additional space for the students. Currently, the programme benefits vulnerable children from the coastal belt. They come to the MJF Centre on weekday afternoons to receive educational guidance supporting the school curriculum and exposure to develop their social life skills.
Changing Lives
with our Small Entrepreneurs Programme (SEP)
Creating Local Heroes with Livelihood Support
Dilmah’s SEP programme supports and encourages entrepreneurs to build and continue successful businesses. Started in 2004 in the aftermath of the tsunami, the MJFCF’s SEP program has now assisted in the establishment of over 2000 entrepreneurs island-wide.
Empowering
1400+
women with dignity
240
Individuals supported through communitybased organizations
Fulfilling our Founder’s wish to serve humanity through kindness to people and nature, our Diriya Centre has benefited over 350 young women so far in the area by teaching new skills, which helps them to find employment or commence their own businesses and be financially independent.
Colombo Design Market
Promoting a variety of sustainable products from rural entrepreneurs across Sri Lanka, Dilmah’s Foundation has partnered with Colombo Design Market. It was a great platform for creative and innovative individuals, community-based organization, artists and performers who was looking for opportunity and exposure to enhance their businesses.
Reviving Dreams and Supporting Small Businesses: The People's Market - A Day of Kindness, Food, Art, Crafts, and Music
The People’s Market is a new platform introduced by the MJF Charitable Foundation for small and medium size entrepreneurs whose businesses might have been affected by the pandemic, giving them an opportunity to revive, restart and/or turn a hobby into a business in an entertaining and sustainable environment. We have been able to give opportunities to more than 150 vendors across the country through our markets held in Moratuwa, Colombo, and Weligama, to display their products and services to a wider audience.
Prison Reform and Integration Programme
The Prison Reform & Integrate Programme, focuses on transforming individuals released on parole from the correctional system, to lead productive lives by re-building their reputation within the community and instilling confidence in them to carry on with their lives.
Gami Aruna is a community-based organization initiated to encourage village farmers in cultivation and self-employment.
Bibile Sweet Orange Project is one such effort to help seasonal sweet orange farmers mainstream their products.
Bibile Sweet Orange
Sada Sarana
Home for the Elders
Located in Pitipana, Sada Sarana is a retirement centre for women with no families to support them in their final years. The centre has housed more than 50 women since 2008, keeping them healthy and happier at heart.
Better health, leads to better living, gearing up communities to prosper!
Dilmah has supported the National Health care services in various forms.
FUNDING MEDICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
FOR BETTER HEALTH SERVICES
we have supported the enhancement of free, national healthcare facilities in Sri Lanka
Nov 2016
Developing Kayts Base hospital in North of Sri Lanka
No of Beneficiaries: 41,000 from Kayts and the surrounding islands.
Development valued at Rs. 65 million.
July 2021 Feb 2022
Vaccination Programme against COVID-19
On-site vaccination programme 1,023 employees of the Group of Companies vaccinated.
Access was also given to individuals outside the Company to receive the vaccine at the Dilmah Head Office, Peliyagoda.
Handing over COVID -19 testing kits to the Ministry of Health
RNA Mini kits valued at Rs. 44 Million 10,000 testing kits
Aug 2021
Dilmah Tea and Kahawatte Plantations
donate High Dependency Care Unit (HDU) to Nawalapitiya General Hospital
No of Beneficiaries: 50,000
Includes ability to care for patients with severe COVID-19 symptoms and other respiratory ailments.
25 Million
Feb 2022
Feb 2022 Improving Women’s Health in a Post-conflict Community.
A 90-bed three-story complex was donated to Point Pedro Base Hospital in Jaffna by MJF Foundation together with Ian and Babara Karan Foundation, with an investment of Rs 110 Million serving more than 150,000 beneficiaries
Driving Kindness: Adoption of 07 ambulances through the 1990 Suwa Seriya Service
As part of its unwavering commitment to sharing kindness with people and making a meaningful impact in society, Dilmah Ceylon Tea together with its Group company Kahawatte Plantations have pledged its commitment to adopt 07 ambulances with a cost of Rs.35 million annually, across the country, including the Central and Sabaragamuwa plantations, the North and Eastern provinces, and Colombo North. The ambulances will serve the people during emergency medical needs in Nawalapitiya, Kahawatte/ Pelmadulla, Hatton, Nuwara Eliya, Jaffna, Batticaloa, and Kiribathgoda/Peliyagoda. In all the above areas, the Company has different socio-economic support projects initiated through the Dilmah MJF Charitable Foundation, and these ambulances will provide vital healthcare access to the communities, especially in the rural areas and plantations, making a meaningful difference in the lives of others, while strengthening the emergency response capabilities of the respective district hospitals.
Lighting the Way: Dilmah MJF Charitable Foundation and Indira Cancer Trust Unite for Suwa Arana Pediatric Palliative Care Centre
To help the little superheroes fight their battles, the Dilmah MJF Charitable Foundation has partnered with the Indira Cancer Trust in the construction of the Suwa Arana Pediatric Palliative Care Centre, which will provide homely residential care for children battling cancer, who are receiving treatment at the National Cancer Institute, Maharagama. All services at this Centre will be offered free of charge.
Lending a hand during challenging times –COVID-19 Response
The pandemic created hardship in an unprecedented manner for people across the world, including Sri Lanka. The MJF Foundation along with its partners assessed the needs and created a multi-sectoral response targeting key areas identified at the onset.
Donated equipment valued at 64 million rupees strengthening the healthcare sector during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dry rations distributed to Over 72,000 households
Including families of the staff in Peliyagoda, Plantations and general public during COVID-19 pandemic
From sowing the seeds of hope to a secure livelihood.
Navamani and Vimaladevi are two mothers from Batticaloa, East Sri Lanka who received cashew plants from Dilmah’s Greening Batticaloa project in 2017. With the opening of the new cashew processing centre at MJF Centre, East, these mothers have a new ray of hope for the future of their children and families. Altogether, 10 ladies are now empowered with new skills and additional livelihood support through our Women’s Development Programme in the processing centre.
“I received this cashew plant by Mr. Merrill J. Fernando on the same day he laid the Foundation to MJF Centre East. Today I’m very happy to see it as a bearing crop. With the new processing centre I can earn an additional income to support my family”.
- Chellaiah Navamani, cashew plant recipient
Cashew processing and dehydration project
In May 2022, we celebrated our Settlor and Dilmah Founder’s 72nd anniversary in tea and his 92nd birthday.
Simultaneously, we launched our new cashew processing centre for cashew farming women in the East of Sri lanka, providing them with greater employment and income earning opportunities. The new centre will bring great hope to communities in challenging times, enabling secure livelihoods, and introducing them to new markets with better prices for their hard-earned cashew harvest.
Blood DonationEvery Drop Counts!
The event was organised by the MJF Alumni of Peliyagoda on World Children’s Day - The two objectives were to support Sri Lanka’s blood banks, and to encourage our alumni to continue to give back to others in their community. We couldn’t have asked for a better Children’s day event as these young people continue to be role models for others.
YOUTH
We have different programmes at MJFCF to support youth between 17 and 30 years old in vulnerable communities. Most of these students are school dropouts, from low-income families or other underprivileged backgrounds. We offer skills development, training, and other facilitations to nurture them into responsible and productive citizens of society.
554 children supported through MJF Scholarship Programme 309 students entered universities 17 new University and 19 Advance Level scholarships were granted in 2020/21 with a pledged commitment of Rs. 2.8 Mn
Partnership with SLIM for school leavers
Vocational Training on carpentry
As Sri Lanka’s only World Chefs certified culinary training facility, t he ECHS has groomed 252 young men and women during these 5 years to enhance their skill sets and mold them into becoming professionals in the industry and to start their own enterprises.
Empower
Culinary and Hospitality
Schools in East and West
Our schools are free, funded by earnings from Dilmah Tea, and only for less privileged youth. Amongst our graduates are youth with Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy, showing that different is not disabled.
Grown up on a tea estate, Dinesh joined our school to take his first step in achieving his culinary dreams by successfully completing the course. During his internship, Dinesh got the wonderful opportunity to compete at the internationally renowned Bocuse d’Or Competition. This young, ambitious chef impressed the renowned chef judges with his creativity, presentation, and techniques and emerged as the Gold Medalist in the National Bocuse d’Or Competition and represented Sri Lanka in the regional level competition, where he was placed 8th. And today, Dinesh works as a commis chef at Vella Private Island Maldives and his achievements on both local and international culinary platforms speak volumes of our effort through Dilmah’s ECHS in grooming young chefs into professionals in the industry.
Growing up on a tea estate
Our Chefs from Empower representing Sri Lanka at Bocuse d’Or
Cricket Live Foundation
The Cricket Live Foundation is the fulfillment of a passion of a young Kiwi named Alex Reese, supported by the greater ‘purpose’ of Dilmah Founder Merrill J Fernando and with the blessings of its Patron, Richard Hadlee. The joint initiative between the MJF Charitable Foundation and Cricket Live (CLF) New Zealand has enriched the lives of over 1000 boys and girls in Sri Lanka, providing a pathway for them through cricket towards a holistic development and social integration of young girls and boys from disadvantaged backgrounds.
In September 2019 the young CLF players got the chance to meet New Zealand cricket coach and former International cricketer, Kyle Mills and witness one of the training sessions by Black Caps
The Mike Dormer Awards were introduced to CLF students this year, instilling confidence in them to dream big. As the first recipients of the Mike Dormer Awards, out of nearly 400 candidates from underprivileged communities, four young students, who excelled at both cricket and studies were selected. These kids received cricket equipment, shoes, school bags, and gift vouchers as a part of their awards to support their cricket skills and education.
The future of Sri Lanka Cricket begins hereMeet Sahan Mihira
Sahan’s story began when his mother was tired of him wasting his time playing in their backyard at the age of 10. He joined the CLF programme through the MJF Foundation in 2014 while he was at the Sunandopananda School. With the help of our programme after seeing his immense potential as a right-hand fast bowler, we were able to get Sahan a scholarship to St. John’s College, Panadura. Today, whilst playing 1st XI for his school, Sahan Mihira has gone on to achieve a spot in the Sri Lanka U-19 National Squad. We are immensely proud of this young man and look forward to supporting him future too!
Curtiss Centre
The Curtiss Institute was initiated with the support of Daron Curtiss, the New Zealand advertising professional and friend of Dilmah Founder Merrill J. Fernando. The centre facilitates access to e-learning and trains students, transforming them into graduates suitable for technology-enabled employment.
Over 5100 students
trained in IT through MJFCF Centres
Vocational Training
Vocational training programmes are in place for youth from unprivileged communities and remote parts of the country to develop their skills and turn them in to productive, income generating individuals.
Vocational training provided for 6800 + youth in carpentry, dress making, IT and Graphics
PLANTATION COMMUNITY
Plantation communities are at the heart of Dilmah and MJF Charitable Foundation.
Since 1990s MJFCF has sought to ensure that infrastructure and services are updated to meet the changing needs and demands of more than 15,000 families who are vital to the process of producing Ceylon Tea.
Workers at DiImah’s plantation received an upgrade to their sanitation and bathing facilities with the construction of 150 toilets and field restrooms.
Providing better, healthy and hygienic working conditions for the plantation workers
Introducing ergonomic baskets to lessen the burden of cane baskets
Scholarships for Kids
The MJF Scholarship Programme has been a life changing opportunity for many children of the plantation community over the years. This programme supports the A-Level and university education of hundreds of less-privileged children from Kahawatte, Elpitiya, and Talawakelle plantations in recognition of their outstanding academic performances and their desire to become successful as tomorrow’s citizens.
Children of Plantation workers who were supported through the scholarship programme have excelled in their chosen fields, becoming doctors, lawyers, engineers, and teachers.
The programme has supported 554 children , with a commitment of Rs 32 Million out of which 309 students have entered universities .
Child Development Centres (CDCs)
To address the inadequacies resulting from lack of nutrition and poor general health, the MJF Foundation has restored 84 CDCs for the welfare of over 6,600 of tea garden workers’ children, below 5 years of age.
Also, programmes for early identification of children with special needs, in the plantation sector, have been conducted in 5 plantations.
49 Families in plantations supported with new housing facilities with an investment of 66 million rupees.
Planting trees and distribution of dry rations in the estates
Families living on our tea estates volunteered to give us a hand in planting nearly 400 new trees in celebration of the 72nd year in tea and 92nd birthday of Dilmah Founder, Merrill J. Fernando. The same day every Dilmah worker and their families received food packs with rice, flour, sugar, coconuts and other essentials, to help them cope with shortages and the rising cost of living.
Over 5,000 families on our tea gardens and manufacturing facilities received food packs
9700 – 9850
Children have benefitted through the distribution of school bags and other accessories
1325 kids from 6 months to 5 years in 84 CDCs were provided with daily meals in 2020/2021
The Small Entrepreneurs Programme in the Plantations
“Dilmah has a unique Foundation. It is the philosophy of making business a matter of human service. The Small Entrepreneurs Programme nurtures the ability of that person to avoid dependence and to build their capabilities, enabling them to do great things. Today, we are extending the programme to ensure that our involvement and support for nature benefits people through livelihoods.”
– Dilhan C Fernando
Manufacturing ergonomic baskets for plantation workers
CELEBRATING DIFFERENCES
The MJF Foundation has a core theme of disability. Its commitment includes not only providing programs and therapeutic services to people with disabilities, but also working to ensure that they are effective citizens of Sri Lanka and its economy, as well as advocating for other people with disabilities.
The Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy and Other Developmental Disorders (CCCPDD)
The CCCPDD is located in Kalapaluwawa, Rajagiriya, and serves as a separate centre of excellence and learning for individuals with special needs. It provides education, therapy, and training for those living with CP and other developmental disorders and for their caretakers to promote, maintain, and restore independence in activities of daily living
Supporting
3500 + differently abled children with therapy and education
disABILITY YouTube Channel & AppdisABILITYSri Lanka’s only trilingual channel on disability
Leaving no one behind! The MJF Foundation switched to tele-therapy and tele-education within the first week of the 2020 lockdown, to prevent an interruption in services to our children. We have expanded our services beyond the centres to the most remote parts of Sri Lanka. The MJF Charitable Foundation and MillenniumIT ESP, with partners Microsoft, Sarva and World Vision Lanka, launched the disABILITY App.
The channel will share information and provide access to therapy and practical guidance for the care of children with disabilities while supporting families, caregivers, and medical practitioners in rural Sri Lanka and South India.
AIDEX
Aid-to the Ex-Abled is an annual Sports Festival and a perfect platform for the differently abled to realise their dreams and have some fun!
Sports day for kids with special needs in the East
Barriers came down for these young athletes from the Dilmah MJF Centre-East! At their first sports meet for children with special needs, every child with Cerebral Palsy and other disabilities got the opportunity to play together and enjoy sport in the company of friends and parents. We believe that a disability should never act as a barrier to participation.
'Having a chance to engage in sport has made me more confident. I have learnt to discipline my mind and complete tasks with a passionate desire to excel. I now feel that disability is not a handicap in courting success.'
- Harshini Kumari Pathiraja
Supporting aspiring Para-athletes
National Database on Cerebral Palsy
Setting up SL’s first database on people with developmental disorders
Dilmah Founder, Merrill J Fernando and the cricket legend Kumar Sangakkara collaborated to promote Sri Lanka’s first database on persons with CP, as part of a strategy to enhance the quality of life for children with cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, and Autism. It also proposes to educate Sri Lanka to overcome the stigma associated with different abilities, and to provide effective planning, implementation, and monitoring of a national strategy, aimed at building the capacity of children and youth with developmental disabilities, and their families, taking in to account their individual needs.
1,400 KM around the Pearl!
Initiated in 2015, Around the Pearl is an annual cycling ride supporting children with Cerebral Palsy to fund their wheelchairs. This 10-day ride covers around 1,400km around Sri Lanka raising awareness about Cerebral Palsy and raising funds. Dilmah MJF Foundation together with the Wheels for Wheels Foundation has organized more than 40 wheelchair camps around Sri Lanka, educating parents and caregivers in far corners of the country, and has distributed more than 3,000 wheelchairs for both children and adults with mobility needs. We also train them on how to use, position, and feed children with Cerebral Palsy and how better they can manage their household to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for their children.
Advocacy through Dolls
To draw attention to the needs of children with disabilities, the Women’s Development Programme of Moratuwa launched a series of advocacy dolls,highlighting the needs and differences of people with disabilities.
We met Sayul during his class at the MJF Rainbow Centre. Just like any 8-year old, he is a cheerful, energetic kid full of joy. But Sayul has Autism. He has behavioural issues that can make life a challenge for him.This is his second year at MJF Rainbow Centre. Thanks to therapy and support, Sayul can now colour within lines, solve puzzles and engage in activities like yoga & gardening with his friends.
Celebrating differences; ensuring inclusion
EXTENDING KINDNESS BEYOND SRI LANKA
New Zealand
An overflowing cup of kindness Supporting Hospice NZ
It has been 30 plus years since the Kiwis enjoyed and fell in love with our cup of Dilmah tea. Over the years they have embraced Dilmah, not only as a tea brand, but also as a business that serves humanity through its many efforts. In 1997, true to its promise to be a brand to make a difference, Dilmah initiated the MJF Foundation in partnership with Hospice, New Zealand, which is provided with Dilmah tea, free of cost. The Hospice also provides cost-free care and support for people with terminal illnesses. So far, more than a million teabags have been donated, providing the best quality tea to those in the care of the Hospice, and to their families, friends, visitors, staff and volunteers. With time, Dilmah’s efforts have developed in to a partnership where a set amount is donated bi-annually, as cash donations from each pack of selected ranges of our teas. Dilmah has also supported the work of Hospice New Zealand with an on-pack-promotion in 2020, to help raise awareness of the services they offer and how to access support.
Through a commitment to quality & authenticity, Dilmah has been crowned as New Zealand's top-selling brand and more than 9 billion cuppas have been enjoyed. It is just the beginning for the brand that dared to do things differently.
It’s amazing how a good cup of tea can bring people together, during hard times.
Australia
Dilmah joins the fight against childhood cancer, in Australia
Since September 2021 Dilmah’s collaboration with My Room Children’s Cancer Charity, Australia, has been helping kids and their families battling childhood cancer. Dilmah donates 25 cents to My Room from its Premium Ceylon Tea 50s sold through selected outlets. The money raised from this supports My Room to fund for families, medical equipment, clinical care, research, and trials, with the goal of a 100 per cent cure rate for all childhood cancers.
Vietnam
Extending kindness to Vietnam
Sharing its business philosophy across the world, Dilmah supports humanitarian activities in Vietnam too. Dilmah in cooperation with the Hieu Ve Ttai Tim Fund has supported children from underprivileged families suffering from heart diseases.
Chile
Kinder Christmas for kids with Down Syndrome
Last Christmas, Dilmah extended its cup of kindness to Edudown Foundation, Chile, with a 10% of total online sales supporting the “App Edudown”. It is a virtual platform that facilitates access to knowledge, strategies and activities that enhance early stimulation in children with Down Syndrome, regardless of their geographic location and family budget.
Carbon Neutral Product Generating 814.8MwH of Hydropower Planted 1,000,000 cashew trees
Sri Lanka’s first climate change research station owned by a corporate
Sustainability Certifications
SEDEX Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA)
Positioned among the top 7th percentile of all companies rated by ECOVADIS.
Rating of 80% in the APCO Annual Survey on Packaging Sustainability.
Carbon Neutral CertificateOrganization
Dilmah RA CoC certificate
Carbon Neutral CertificateProduct
Biodiversity Sri Lanka
a coalition for environmental conservation among the corporate sector Initiated by Dilmah Tea, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce
Key Initiatives with BSL
Life: A compendium of Biodiversity Stories in Hospitality
A publication consisting of 17 practical environmental conservation best practices successfully adopted by individuals in the tourism and hospitality industry; encouraging others to follow suit.
Kanneliya Restoration Life Project
A groundbreaking public-private effort within the Kanneliya Forest Reserve to restore 10 hectares of degraded fern land while enhancing its ecological functions and capacity to provide ecosystem services.
LIFE to our Mangroves
Restoring 25 acres of degraded mangrove forest patches in the Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary with all members of BSL and the Department of Wildlife Conservation Sri Lanka
Cave Biodiversity in Sri
In 2017 we surveyed 18 dark caves of Sri Lanka in partnership with BSL and the Lanka Insitute of Cave Science to identify the biodiversity in caves that need protecting.
The Genesis Project
Dilmah Centre for a Sustainable Future
Dilmah’s Genesis Centre is the evolution of the original Dilmah Colombo head office -52 Malligawatte Road - and manufacturing complex where Merrill J. Fernando’s dream of the world’s first genuinely ethical tea came true – Dilmah Tea was first tasted, selected, packed and exported from there.
Today that building is a haven for Agri-Entreprenerus and Nature-based Entrepreneurs. Fully equipped with a digital library, co-working space, townhall space, market space, and demonstration kitchen, the Centre will help aspiring entrepreneurs build their business, through collaboration, discussion, and knowledge sharing.
The Centre aims to grow awareness of the importance of nature, its value and ecosystem services, by harnessing the knowledge and commitment of academia, scientists, with the ability and network of businesses and policymakers, while directly nurturing sustainable, agricultural entrepreneurship for better social, economic and gender equality.
Lost Ingredients Lab
Igniting Food & Agri Innovation
Lost Ingredients Lab was a collaboration between Dilmah and Good Life X to bring a platform for Sri Lankan organic and regenerative agriculture and food sectors, to integrate their value chains through innovation and collaboration for meaningful growth. The programme focused on ‘lost’ potential of Sri Lankan ingredients in the international, and even the local, market.
Lost Ingredients Lab ran two programmes in parallel: Garage & Accelerator. Through the Garage program 3 identified manufacturing companies working with green jakfruit, seaweed and gotukola (Centella asiatica) were empowered to elevate their businesses.
Company Name Founder/CEO Ingredient
Ceylon Aqua and Agri
Shawn Senerath Seaweed
Lak Nature International Lakmini Weerakkodi Gotukola
Plant Based Sahan Bakmiwewa Jakfruit
Through the Accelerator program 3 agri & food related tech startups were empowered to integrate innovative and smart solutions with the Food and Agri sector.
The Lost Ingredients Lab is an initiative under the Multi-Donor Action (MDA), 'Support to Small and Medium Enterprises in the Organic Agriculture Sector' Programme jointly co-financed by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.
One Earth Climate Change Centre
Sri Lanka’s first climate research and adaptation station established and managed by a corporate
07 International groups visited 03 Global Studies
01 International workshop
1 Ammonia in Forests in collaboration with South Asian Nitrogen Hub
2 Climate & Environment in Tea Ecosystems in collaboration with Foundation for Environment, Climate and Technology, and the University of Colombia
3 South Asian Air Quality Monitoring
in Collaboration with Centre for Global Environmental Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies - Japan
Countries we have connected with for climate research & education in the last 4 years
Sustainable Packaging
Over the last 21 years we have reached significant milestones in our packaging and business sustainability journey, trailblazing packaging innovations within our industry
Began the process of eliminating the plastic in our tea packs by introducing a tear strip design
All inner cartons were delivered by suppliers, wrapped in kraft paper, which has now been discarded. And 75% of inner cartons have switched to reusable corrugated inner cartons and a system is in place to return them to suppliers.
Eliminated 421,052 Kgs of plastic from packaging
Production lines were converted to use 100% PLA based filter paper in 2020
Eliminated the plastic overwrap in 80% of tea packs using tear strip design
Packaging Breakthrough: Pyramid tea bags changed to PLA - a plant-based material.
Packaging that contains 10 tea envelopes (10E) was changed to include a window to reduce material usage
Environmental impact of endproduct included in the selection criteria when investing in new machinery.
While celebrating the achievements in packaging sustainability during the past two decades, this year we have
Continuous material reduction measures in tea tags, bags and packs.
Carbon Neutral Dilmah
A Zero-Carbon Cuppa
Your cup of Dilmah Tea is Carbon Neutral! Dilmah has actively offset its carbon emission through multiple Dilmah Conservation projects such as, solar energy implementation, hydroelectricity plants, rewilding tea gardens, restoring wetlands and many more. We are working towards making our manufacturing process CARBON NEGATIVE by 2030.
2017: Peliyagoda factory and head office certified as Carbon Neutral
ISO 14064-1: 2006
2019: Dilmah achieves carbon neutrality for the facility and all products up to Australia shelf
ISO 14067: 2018
ISO 14064-1: 2018
2020: Dilmah achieves carbon neutrality for the facility and all products up to the destination ports of all overseas markets
ISO 14067: 2018
ISO 14064-1: 2018
2018: Dilmah achieves carbon neutrality for all products and factories
ISO 14064-1: 2006
2020: Dilmah achieves carbon neutrality for the event School of Tea
2020: Carbon Footprint Calculation mode was digitised
Dilmah pledges to be Carbon Negative by 2030
(Zero emissions for the entire manufacturing process)
Dilmah’s Journey to Carbon Neutrality
Solar and Hydro Power
Harnessing the Power of Nature 04 hydropower plants in operation
Hydropower journey commenced in 2016
Combined capacity of 260kW
Generating a total of 1078.6MWh
Currently functioning at a capacity of 415kW MJF Group’s solar capacity 827kW
04 Solar power plants at the Dilmah Head-Office
Solar power and hydro power contribute to Dilmah’s Carbon Negative 2030 journey.
893.6 MWh of Solar Energy production in 2021/22 across the group
Greening Batticaloa
A Nature-based Solution in the East
Dilmah Conservation worked with rural communities in Eastern Sri Lanka to plant one million cashew trees. The initiative was aimed at enhancing livelihoods by helping recipients receive revenue from cashew whilst strengthening an ecosystem devastated by tsunami and conflict. Our cashew project has helped thousands of small entrepreneurs to earn a fair price for their produce.
The Story of Greening Batticaloa
One Earth Centre Moratuwa
The One Earth Centre Moratuwa is dedicated to the research and experimentation of sustainable agricultural practices, and sharing best practices & lessons learnt with the wider community.
Established in 2017
Educating over 2000
Individuals
Home to over 500 species of flora
BIODIVERSITY
Empowering 75 individuals through Beach Caretaker Programme Conserving 26 acres of mangrove forests in Kalpitiya
Educating over 300 individuals on beekeeping
Creating an ecological wealth of US$
382,362 through the Endana Nature Corridor
Played a key role in declaration of Kayenkerni Reef as a Marine Protected site
Cultivating seaweed in 10 acres of Sri Lanka’s continental shelf
Supporting elephant research
Model open air butterfly garden, sharing knowledge for replication island wide
Elephant Transit Home
a home for gentle giants
The Elephant Transit home in Udawalawe takes care of 60 orphaned elephants at any given time until they are 6 years old and ready to return to the wild.
Dilmah supports elephant conservation, we sponsored the care of 02 orphaned elephants educate approximately 250 individuals daily, through the Dilmah Conservation Information Centre spreading awareness through @baby_dilmah @babydilmah_elephantdiaries
Hi! I’m Baby Dilmah. The Dilmah Family’s adopted baby elephant. I will be taken care of at the Elephant Transit Home, till I’m ready to go back to the wild!
The Story of Baby Dilmah and her Elephant Friends
One Earth Urban Arboretum
Outdoor Tree Museums
One Earth Urban Arboretum, Moratuwa
first urban arboretum to be established in Sri Lanka by a private sector organization
home to over 500 trees, plants and vines, most of which are endemic to Sri Lanka
One Earth Arboretum, Kalkudah
Planting an arboretum in a dry zone, with soft sandy soil
Educating 1500+ individuals on sustainable agricultural practices, flora and fauna species & forest ecosystem services
Established in 2021 and currently home to over 50 plants
Butterfly Garden
a tool for butterfly conservation & education
conducted over 10 workshops facilitated 07 webinars educated over 2000 individuals assisted in constructing 04 butterfly gardens at leading schools & hospitals in Sri Lanka
DILMAH CONSERVATION ONE EARTH CENTRE, MORATUWA located at Houses a variety of host plants and larval food plants specially to attract endemic butterfly species.
Visited by 1/3 of butterfly species found in Sri Lanka
Endana Nature Corridor
Reimagine. Recreate. Restore.
A 3km long nature corridor, connecting 2 fragmented forest patches along the Sinharaja Rain Forest through a Tea Estate.
Livelihood
Opportunities:
Beekeeping as a cottage industry for the community
Educating People: awareness and education for the community
Research studies: 07 research studies conducted so far
“In a mere extent of 60 ha, this corridor generates an annual ecological wealth of US$ 382,362 ”
Dr. Nalaka Geekiyanage, Principal Scientist
Marine Conservation
A Sea of Change
Conducted awareness programmes and surveys to protect Sri Lanka’s elusive and incredibly rare dugong population.
A stunning discovery of a metal chariot wheel at the site of historic shipwreck site. Later explored by the Central Cultural Fund.
Played a keyrole in the documentation of the Kayankerni Reef as a protected area: home to a high diversity and abundance of marine life.
Beach Caretaker Programme
Collected over 34,000kg of waste
Novel Species Paving the Way for Biodiversity Conservation
Discovering and Describing Novel Species
Dilmah Conservation facilitated identifying and accurately documenting species with hopes of understanding how an ecosystem functions, and gaining insights into building sound strategies for conservation management, which is ever more urgent in the wake of accelerating damage to natural ecosystems that threaten species with extinction.
FACTS & FIGURES
Duration: 04 years
Number of Publications: 50
Key Scientists: Dr Gothami Weerakoon Mendis Wickramasinghe
Lichen
LICHENS
The One Earth Climate Change Centre hosted globally renowned Lichenologists at a workshop which was a part of the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ATBC) 2019 Asia Pacific Chapter. It was led by Dr. Gothamie Weerakoon, Senior Curator of Lichens and Slime Moulds at the National History Museum of London and Dr. Pat Wolseley, Scientific Advisor to the Natural History Museum London, who shared their experience and expertise with a group of emerging global scientists and lichen enthusiasts.
Did you know?
Lichens are useful bioindicators for air pollution since they derive their water and essential nutrients mainly from the atmosphere rather than from the soil
Heterodermia queensberryi
A lichen endemic to Sri Lanka and found only in natural habitats 100m above sea level
Wetland Conservation
Rewetting the World’s Sponges
Dilmah collaborated with Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte Municipal Council, and Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation to cleanup sensitive wetland ecosystems for World Wetland Day on the 2nd of February 2019.
Blue Carbon Initiatives
Defending Mangroves:
restoring degraded mangroves in Kalpitiya
Protect mangroves through restoration
Develop community income levels
Research & educationbased tourism
Around 30 participants collected 908.6 Kgs of waste.
Committed to conserving 26 acres of mangrove forests in Kalpitiya
Afforest Underwater:
cultivating seaweed in Northern Sri Lanka
Introduce low-impact aquaculture practices
Improve living standards of the community
Develop value-added product using seaweed
10 acres of seaweed cultivated by 10 farmers from Mannar as a pilot
Bee a Keeper
Sustainable Apiculture for the Conservation of Bees
Community Beekeeping at Endana Nature Corridor
Introducing beekeeping to communities in the vicinity of the nature corridor to ensure community participation for the success of the restoration initiative and as a cottage industry to uplift livelihoods Bee Awareness Bee Research Beekeeping Buzzing Livelihoods
Identified project hubs across the island:
Endana Research Station
One Earth Climate Change Centre
Copenhagen Farm
Mangrove Restoration Station
One Earth Centre East
One Earth Centre Moratuwa
Friendly Beekeeper Webinar Series
Virtual e-certificate course for budding beekeepers to learn basic beekeeping techniques and gather knowledge from an expert
06 bee colonies established 10 beekeepers trained Research areas covered:
04 research studies completed
• Non-Chemical Methods to Control Wax Moth
• Floristic Pattern & Foraging Behaviour of Honeybees in Endana
• Floral Resources & Foraging Ecology of Wild Bees in Queensberry Estate
• Research into the Initiation of Beekeeping as a Cottage Industry
MAY 2020
Launch of Bee a Keeper
JANUARY 2021
Project Hub Endana launched with 6 colonies to promote community beekeeping
JUNE 2020
Research Hub Nawalapitiya launched with an apiary of 10 colonies
MAY 2021
Launch of ‘Friendly Beekeeper’ Webinar Series
JANUARY 2021
Beekeeping Workshop for Resplendent Ceylon staff at Research Hub - Nawalapitiya
FEBRUARY 2022
Beekeeping Workshop for Community Beekeepers in Endana
HERITAGE
Veddah Community Upliftment Programme
People of the Forests Who are the Veddhas?
The Veddahs are said to be descendants of the island’s first inhabitants, and their lives & livelihoods are deeply rooted in living in harmony with nature. They have specific methods of hunting, gathering and other traditions which are as unique as they are fascinating.
The Veddah communities live in various parts of the country including Bintanne, Rathugala, and Mahiyangana and in coastal areas as Trincomalee and Batticaloa.
Deforestation and loss of traditional land has caused a progressive decline in their number, and the community is at risk of losing its ancient traditions, which have been handed down from generation to generation.
Dilmah Conservation assisted the indigenous Veddah community of Sri Lanka to maintain their cultural identity.
Conducted first ever survey of the Eastern Veddah Community towards identifying livelihood needs
Supported the Coastal Veddah Community in the Eastern Province for the community’s Sadangu festivities
Supported the communities’ clan gathering, or Varigasabha, in 2011 and 2014, where members of the Veddah Community from across Sri Lanka gathered to discuss issues they are facing
Veddah Handicraft and Pottery Centre was declared open in August 2013 and trainings were facilitated on handloom
Published Indigenous Communities in Sri Lanka: The Veddahs was released
Ahikuntaka Community Upliftment Programme
The Nomads of Sri Lanka
With rapid social and environmental changes taking place in the country today, the ahikuntaka community are faced with the unavailability of bare lands to set up camps, or to ply their traditional trades and crafts at a particular location.
Their nomadic lifestyle is threatened as they are unable to shift camping grounds and engage in vocations such a snake charming, exhibiting performing monkeys and fortune-telling. In addition to this, due to current economic pressures the Ahikuntaka community has been forced to engage in daily labour to sustain themselves.
A survey was conducted to gain comprehensive understanding of the community’s socio-economic needs and concerns
Built the Ahikuntaka Cultural Centre in Kudagama in partnership with the Thambuttegama Divisional Secretariat, designed by the Faculty of Architecture in Moratuwa
Published Traditional Communities of Sri Lanka: The Ahikuntaka chronicling the history of this community
Thoppigala Heritage Centre
Encouraging Peaceful Integration
Dilmah Conservation supported the establishment of the Thoppigala Heritage Park to commemorate the peaceful integration of all communities following the end of the civil war and to enlighten visitors on the historical, cultural and environmental importance of this area.
Planted
20,000 trees in collaboration with the Forest Department and Sri Lanka Army to bring socio-economic benefit to the community and create a habitat for birds and animals
A Heritage Center was established at the Park, showcasing biodiversity and environment of Sri Lanka in various educational depictions
Delft Island Conservation
Conserve Water. Conserve Life.
Access to freshwater is a struggle for the residents at Delft Island, as the island’s freshwater reserves are at constant threat of being contaminated with saltwater from the ocean.
Dilmah Conservation facilitated a hydrological study to assess the potential for groundwater use on the island. The study recommended the best locations and practices for groundwater extraction, and provided sustainable options that could be employed to increase freshwater reserves.
creative solutions for people and planet dilmahconservation.org
AWARDS
Circular Design for a Sustainable Future
The first step in building a national-level platform to support budding eco-innovators & green entrepreneurs of Sri Lanka
The aim is not only to select the best eco-innovations but also to nurture eco-innovators and empower them to take their innovations to market while safeguarding their intellectual property rights.
“Ecovation is not about innovation in a silo, it is about supporting and scaling social enterprises that can contribute to a sustainable and robust ecosystem of products and services that can make our daily consumption a little more conscious; a little more impactful.”
Ms. Savera Weerasinghe.
64 applicants 16 finalists
10 WINNERS
“In this decade for responsible action, corporate leadership matters, and ECOVATION demonstrates that behaviour. ECOVATION exemplifies and pushes for innovation with environmental and sustainability consciousness.”
Prof. Ajith de Alwis
Reconciliation through the Power of Nature Publications
Aimed at using nature as therapy to help foster reconciliation between communities affected by Sri Lanka’s Civil War.
Nature Appreciation Clubs within Jaffna schools were revived
Protecting Sri Lanka’s biodiversity hinges on an educated society.
15 extensively researched publications includes
• Field guides on Sri Lanka’s flora & fauna
• Books on culture & heritage, Ayurveda & organic home gardening
• Authored by leading experts
Sheds light on misconceived or lesser-known flora and fauna, with minimal scientific and technical jargon
Environment Lecture Series
Dilmah Conservation and United Nations Global Compact Network Sri Lanka launch of a brand-new series of interactive ‘Sustainable Lifestyle’ workshops was one such programme.
A part of the Climate Reality Initiative, the series of lectures and workshops was aimed at the everyday citizen to guide them on a path to a sustainable way of life.
HOW TO LIVE SMART
01 02 03 04
18 Dec 2019
Sunela Jayawardene
HOW TO MAKE YOUR GARDEN EDIBLE
29 Jan 2020
Channa Ekanayake, Miller Rajendran, Sunela Jayawardena
EDIBLE GARDENING WORKSHOP
01 Feb 2020
HOW TO SMART YOUR CART
26 Feb 2020
Savera Weerasinghe
FRIENDLY
BEEKEEPER WEBINAR
SERIES –CERTIFICATE COURSE ORGANIC HOME GARDENING –CERTIFICATE COURSE
In partnership with ABBA Agri Consultancy
56 Certificate Recipients
Who Cares about Nature
A unique forum to promote the importance of sustainability and conservation
On the 24th and 25th of January 2014 at the Lakshman Kadiragamar Institute for International Relations and Strategic Studies.
Focused on the role of business in serving community and environment and man in the natural ecosystem, Dilmah Conservation organised a series of events highlighting the importance of mainstreaming sustainability, conserving Sri Lanka's biological wealth, restoring ecosystems, gathering of data, information and facts for the advancement of knowledge, supporting environment and nature education, and empowering indigenous communities.
At the inauguration ceremony of ‘Who Cares about Nature' the Founder Merrill J Fernando, undertook a pledge to make Dilmah Carbon Neutral by the year 2017 and over the years Dilmah has kept true to this promise.
