Trailblazing Tea Evangelist: A Tribute

Within the heart of the Camellia sinensis plant, a mystique brew called tea emerges. Nature's delicate gift, this herb once held an enchanting allure, now fading into the annals of time.

In the realm of tea, one name reigns supreme, echoing quality and the spirit of Ceylon. The late Merrill J Fernando, founder of Dilmah Tea, approached this industry with a unique lens. His vision was not merely sales, but a revival of integrity, freshness, and quality within tea. A commitment to the essence of 100% pure Ceylon tea, growing and packaged meticulously.

In this ode to a pioneer, we honor Mr. Fernando's unwavering dedication to his craft. He, who ventured beyond the ordinary, even sacrificing for the purity of Ceylon tea. We raise a collective salute to him and his family, for they hosted the planting community to commemorate 150 years of Ceylon Tea in July 29, 2017. Dilmah Tea's online "History of Ceylon Tea" portal chronicles the journey since the 1800s, an unprecedented contribution that drew acclaim from those present.

Within Dilmah's founder and chairman, Mr. Fernando, a partnership bloomed. A collaboration with the Planters Association and even the Ceylon Planters Society supported the creation of the "History of Ceylon Tea," a beacon paying homage to tea's pioneers and its birth. A living reminder for generations to come, as Mr. Fernando broke the digital ground for tea marketing, his concepts remain seeds waiting to flourish.

The doors he opened to digital marketing and social media for tea are pathways that future minds can tread upon. Let these insights, encapsulated within this narrative, be a compass for elevating the industry.

Through his legacy, the torch of knowledge passes to new generations of planters, offering a glimpse into the splendid heritage of a plantation giant. In Mr. Fernando's words, spoken with conviction, Dilmah's renown stemmed from the excellence of Ceylon tea, honoring the dedication and courage of planters who shaped an industry that made Ceylon synonymous with the world's finest tea.

Such praise was a symphony dedicated to James Taylor and all the unsung heroes who labored, retired, or still toil amidst this golden bounty on our tiny island.

Mr. Fernando's commitment to charity was unwavering. His MJF Charitable Foundation Centers dotting the landscape contribute to the welfare of staff and families, education, and the greater good. Guided by Christian principles, as the Holy Bible attests, "Helping the poor is lending to God, and God repays in abundance."

As he was honored with the Fellowship of the Chartered Professional Managers Institute, Mr. Fernando attributed his achievements to divine blessings. In integrity, he found his compass, and through Ceylon tea's inherent quality, he built success to be shared with workers and community alike.

At his 90th birthday celebration, a testament to his seven decades in the tea world, he beamed with pride about his son, Dilhan, the new CEO of tea companies and plantations. He heralded Dilhan's remarkable innovations, the torchbearer poised to elevate the company even further. And so, as a devout Christian, he prayed for divine blessings, invoking the Almighty to fight their battles and bring tranquility.

With heartfelt condolences to the Fernando family, in a time of personal recovery, Lalin I De Silva extends his words. As we bid farewell to a visionary, may his soul find eternal rest in the embrace of the divine.

Lalin I De Silva, Former Senior Planter, Agricultural Advisor / Consultant, Secretary General of the Ceylon Planters Society, Editor of the CPS Bulletin and Freelance Journalist.