FounderFounder's JourneyA Life Devoted to Tea HomeFamilyFounderJourney Merrill J. Fernando’s devotion to Tea is a tale of uncompromising commitment to quality and purpose that lies beyond profit. Here is how he converted Dilmah Tea into a cup of kindness. Proof that one man, with faith, integrity and perseverance, can change the course of an entire industry — and serve humanity in the process. 1930Humble BeginningsMJF was born in the village of Pallansena, just north of Colombo, into a deeply Catholic, close-knit family. The youngest of six siblings, he was raised by parents who modelled a life of discipline, compassion and faith. His mother, Lucy, quietly shaped his moral compass — kindness to neighbours, respect for workers, and an unshakeable commitment to doing what is right. Array ( [] => [heading] => 1930 [sub_heading] => Humble Beginnings [media] => Array ( [media_type] => image [image] => 3771 [video_file] => [video_file_thumbnail] => [video_platform] => [video_id] => [video_thumbnail] => [show_in] => in-self ) [content] => MJF was born in the village of Pallansena, just north of Colombo, into a deeply Catholic, close-knit family. The youngest of six siblings, he was raised by parents who modelled a life of discipline, compassion and faith. His mother, Lucy, quietly shaped his moral compass — kindness to neighbours, respect for workers, and an unshakeable commitment to doing what is right. [link] => [button2_link] => [image_position] => left [media_width] => 50 [is_milestone] => yes [vertical_alignment] => top [section_title] => [section_toggle] => on [section_overflow] => hidden [section_width] => full [section_height] => auto [section_animation] => off [background_type] => white [background_width_limit] => no [background_image] => Array ( [image] => ) [background_video] => Array ( [video] => [poster] => ) [background_position] => Array ( [pos_x] => [pos_y] => [pos_x_custom] => [pos_y_custom] => ) [background_parallax] => Array ( [parallax] => no [speed] => 1 [height] => 1.2 [contain] => yes ) [background_opacity] => 1 [background_brightness] => 1 [overlay_type] => off [overlay_color] => primary-dark [overlay_opacity] => 0.85 [overlay_height] => 85 [font-colour] => black ) 1950Breaking into Tea TastingMJF applied for a pioneering tea tasting programme at a time when the field was monopolised by British colonials who dismissed locals as “unsuited” due to their spicy diets. He was one of just a handful selected to train under O.P. Rust, the Government Tea Taster. For the first time, a Sri Lankan stood at the tasting bench of history. Array ( [] => [heading] => 1950 [sub_heading] => Breaking into Tea Tasting [media] => Array ( [media_type] => image [image] => 3772 [video_file] => [video_file_thumbnail] => [video_platform] => [video_id] => [video_thumbnail] => [show_in] => in-self ) [content] => MJF applied for a pioneering tea tasting programme at a time when the field was monopolised by British colonials who dismissed locals as “unsuited” due to their spicy diets. He was one of just a handful selected to train under O.P. Rust, the Government Tea Taster. For the first time, a Sri Lankan stood at the tasting bench of history. [link] => [button2_link] => [image_position] => left [media_width] => 50 [is_milestone] => yes [vertical_alignment] => top [section_title] => [section_toggle] => on [section_overflow] => hidden [section_width] => full [section_height] => auto [section_animation] => off [background_type] => white [background_width_limit] => no [background_image] => Array ( [image] => ) [background_video] => Array ( [video] => [poster] => ) [background_position] => Array ( [pos_x] => [pos_y] => [pos_x_custom] => [pos_y_custom] => ) [background_parallax] => Array ( [parallax] => no [speed] => 1 [height] => 1.2 [contain] => yes ) [background_opacity] => 1 [background_brightness] => 1 [overlay_type] => off [overlay_color] => primary-dark [overlay_opacity] => 0.85 [overlay_height] => 85 [font-colour] => black ) 1954Training in LondonHe joined A. F. Jones & Co. and soon found himself on a ship to London. There, in the heart of the British tea empire — Mincing Lane — he trained at Joseph Travers & Sons, tasting and learning tea under the noses of the colonial elite. It was here he first saw how Ceylon’s finest tea was being bought cheap, blended, and resold at exorbitant prices — without a cent returning to Sri Lanka. Array ( [] => [heading] => 1954 [sub_heading] => Training in London [media] => Array ( [media_type] => image [image] => 3773 [video_file] => [video_file_thumbnail] => [video_platform] => [video_id] => [video_thumbnail] => [show_in] => in-self ) [content] => He joined A. F. Jones & Co. and soon found himself on a ship to London. There, in the heart of the British tea empire — Mincing Lane — he trained at Joseph Travers & Sons, tasting and learning tea under the noses of the colonial elite. It was here he first saw how Ceylon’s finest tea was being bought cheap, blended, and resold at exorbitant prices — without a cent returning to Sri Lanka. [link] => [button2_link] => [image_position] => left [media_width] => 50 [is_milestone] => yes [vertical_alignment] => top [section_title] => [section_toggle] => on [section_overflow] => hidden [section_width] => full [section_height] => auto [section_animation] => off [background_type] => white [background_width_limit] => no [background_image] => Array ( [image] => ) [background_video] => Array ( [video] => [poster] => ) [background_position] => Array ( [pos_x] => [pos_y] => [pos_x_custom] => [pos_y_custom] => ) [background_parallax] => Array ( [parallax] => no [speed] => 1 [height] => 1.2 [contain] => yes ) [background_opacity] => 1 [background_brightness] => 1 [overlay_type] => off [overlay_color] => primary-dark [overlay_opacity] => 0.85 [overlay_height] => 85 [font-colour] => black ) 1958Appointed to the Board of A. F. Jones, a rare achievement for a non-British employee at the time. Array ( [] => [heading] => 1958 [sub_heading] => [media] => Array ( [media_type] => image [image] => 3775 [video_file] => [video_file_thumbnail] => [video_platform] => [video_id] => [video_thumbnail] => [show_in] => in-self ) [content] => Appointed to the Board of A. F. Jones, a rare achievement for a non-British employee at the time. [link] => [button2_link] => [image_position] => left [media_width] => 50 [is_milestone] => yes [vertical_alignment] => top [section_title] => [section_toggle] => on [section_overflow] => hidden [section_width] => full [section_height] => auto [section_animation] => off [background_type] => white [background_width_limit] => no [background_image] => Array ( [image] => ) [background_video] => Array ( [video] => [poster] => ) [background_position] => Array ( [pos_x] => [pos_y] => [pos_x_custom] => [pos_y_custom] => ) [background_parallax] => Array ( [parallax] => no [speed] => 1 [height] => 1.2 [contain] => yes ) [background_opacity] => 1 [background_brightness] => 1 [overlay_type] => off [overlay_color] => primary-dark [overlay_opacity] => 0.85 [overlay_height] => 85 [font-colour] => black ) 1960sA Promise in the MakingHaving seen the injustice firsthand, MJF made himself a promise: one day, he would build his own brand. It would be Pure Ceylon Tea, single-origin and ethically produced with profits to uplift the people who grew the leaves. 1962 — In a bold move, MJF and two partners acquired A. F. Jones & Co. He was now running his own company — but it came at a cost. Trust was broken. Betrayal followed. He left the company, disillusioned but wiser. Array ( [] => [heading] => 1960s [sub_heading] => A Promise in the Making [media] => Array ( [media_type] => image [image] => 3776 [video_file] => [video_file_thumbnail] => [video_platform] => [video_id] => [video_thumbnail] => [show_in] => in-self ) [content] => Having seen the injustice firsthand, MJF made himself a promise: one day, he would build his own brand. It would be Pure Ceylon Tea, single-origin and ethically produced with profits to uplift the people who grew the leaves. 1962 — In a bold move, MJF and two partners acquired A. F. Jones & Co. He was now running his own company — but it came at a cost. Trust was broken. Betrayal followed. He left the company, disillusioned but wiser. [link] => [button2_link] => [image_position] => left [media_width] => 50 [is_milestone] => yes [vertical_alignment] => top [section_title] => [section_toggle] => on [section_overflow] => hidden [section_width] => full [section_height] => auto [section_animation] => off [background_type] => white [background_width_limit] => no [background_image] => Array ( [image] => ) [background_video] => Array ( [video] => [poster] => ) [background_position] => Array ( [pos_x] => [pos_y] => [pos_x_custom] => [pos_y_custom] => ) [background_parallax] => Array ( [parallax] => no [speed] => 1 [height] => 1.2 [contain] => yes ) [background_opacity] => 1 [background_brightness] => 1 [overlay_type] => off [overlay_color] => primary-dark [overlay_opacity] => 0.85 [overlay_height] => 85 [font-colour] => black ) 1974–1976Starting from ScratchAfter selling off his earlier business, MJF started again. This time with MJF Exports — a company rooted in humility, faith and his fierce belief in the potential of Ceylon tea. Array ( [] => [heading] => 1974–1976 [sub_heading] => Starting from Scratch [media] => Array ( [media_type] => image [image] => 3780 [video_file] => [video_file_thumbnail] => [video_platform] => [video_id] => [video_thumbnail] => [show_in] => in-self ) [content] => After selling off his earlier business, MJF started again. This time with MJF Exports — a company rooted in humility, faith and his fierce belief in the potential of Ceylon tea. [link] => [button2_link] => [image_position] => left [media_width] => 50 [is_milestone] => yes [vertical_alignment] => top [section_title] => [section_toggle] => on [section_overflow] => hidden [section_width] => full [section_height] => auto [section_animation] => off [background_type] => white [background_width_limit] => no [background_image] => Array ( [image] => ) [background_video] => Array ( [video] => [poster] => ) [background_position] => Array ( [pos_x] => [pos_y] => [pos_x_custom] => [pos_y_custom] => ) [background_parallax] => Array ( [parallax] => no [speed] => 1 [height] => 1.2 [contain] => yes ) [background_opacity] => 1 [background_brightness] => 1 [overlay_type] => off [overlay_color] => primary-dark [overlay_opacity] => 0.85 [overlay_height] => 85 [font-colour] => black ) 1985The Birth of a BrandAt 55, MJF launched Dilmah — named after his sons, Dilhan and Malik. It was revolutionary: a tea company owned by the producer, not a packer or trader. He was not chasing profit — he was fulfilling a promise made four decades ago. Array ( [] => [heading] => 1985 [sub_heading] => The Birth of a Brand [media] => Array ( [media_type] => image [image] => 3782 [video_file] => [video_file_thumbnail] => [video_platform] => [video_id] => [video_thumbnail] => [show_in] => in-self ) [content] => At 55, MJF launched Dilmah — named after his sons, Dilhan and Malik. It was revolutionary: a tea company owned by the producer, not a packer or trader. He was not chasing profit — he was fulfilling a promise made four decades ago. [link] => [button2_link] => [image_position] => left [media_width] => 50 [is_milestone] => yes [vertical_alignment] => top [section_title] => [section_toggle] => on [section_overflow] => hidden [section_width] => full [section_height] => auto [section_animation] => off [background_type] => white [background_width_limit] => no [background_image] => Array ( [image] => ) [background_video] => Array ( [video] => [poster] => ) [background_position] => Array ( [pos_x] => [pos_y] => [pos_x_custom] => [pos_y_custom] => ) [background_parallax] => Array ( [parallax] => no [speed] => 1 [height] => 1.2 [contain] => yes ) [background_opacity] => 1 [background_brightness] => 1 [overlay_type] => off [overlay_color] => primary-dark [overlay_opacity] => 0.85 [overlay_height] => 85 [font-colour] => black ) 1988Merrill J. Fernando was invited to supply Dilmah branded Ceylon Tea to V/O Sojuzplodoimport in Moscow, Russia. Dilmah Tea was supplied across the Soviet Union. Array ( [] => [heading] => 1988 [sub_heading] => [media] => Array ( [media_type] => image [image] => 3783 [video_file] => [video_file_thumbnail] => [video_platform] => [video_id] => [video_thumbnail] => [show_in] => in-self ) [content] => Merrill J. Fernando was invited to supply Dilmah branded Ceylon Tea to V/O Sojuzplodoimport in Moscow, Russia. Dilmah Tea was supplied across the Soviet Union. [link] => [button2_link] => [image_position] => left [media_width] => 50 [is_milestone] => yes [vertical_alignment] => top [section_title] => [section_toggle] => on [section_overflow] => hidden [section_width] => full [section_height] => auto [section_animation] => off [background_type] => white [background_width_limit] => no [background_image] => Array ( [image] => ) [background_video] => Array ( [video] => [poster] => ) [background_position] => Array ( [pos_x] => [pos_y] => [pos_x_custom] => [pos_y_custom] => ) [background_parallax] => Array ( [parallax] => no [speed] => 1 [height] => 1.2 [contain] => yes ) [background_opacity] => 1 [background_brightness] => 1 [overlay_type] => off [overlay_color] => primary-dark [overlay_opacity] => 0.85 [overlay_height] => 85 [font-colour] => black ) 1990"Do Try It" Goes GlobalWith a modest ad campaign and MJF himself as the face, Dilmah launched in Australia. The catchphrase was simple: “Do Try It.” And people did. They tasted not just tea — but integrity. Array ( [] => [heading] => 1990 [sub_heading] => "Do Try It" Goes Global [media] => Array ( [media_type] => image [image] => 3784 [video_file] => [video_file_thumbnail] => [video_platform] => [video_id] => [video_thumbnail] => [show_in] => in-self ) [content] => With a modest ad campaign and MJF himself as the face, Dilmah launched in Australia. The catchphrase was simple: “Do Try It.” And people did. They tasted not just tea — but integrity. [link] => [button2_link] => [image_position] => left [media_width] => 50 [is_milestone] => yes [vertical_alignment] => top [section_title] => [section_toggle] => on [section_overflow] => hidden [section_width] => full [section_height] => auto [section_animation] => off [background_type] => white [background_width_limit] => no [background_image] => Array ( [image] => ) [background_video] => Array ( [video] => [poster] => ) [background_position] => Array ( [pos_x] => [pos_y] => [pos_x_custom] => [pos_y_custom] => ) [background_parallax] => Array ( [parallax] => no [speed] => 1 [height] => 1.2 [contain] => yes ) [background_opacity] => 1 [background_brightness] => 1 [overlay_type] => off [overlay_color] => primary-dark [overlay_opacity] => 0.85 [overlay_height] => 85 [font-colour] => black ) 2002Sharing the HarvestHe formalised what had always been in his heart. The MJF Charitable Foundation was born — delivering healthcare, education, dignity, and hope to Sri Lanka’s most vulnerable. Array ( [] => [heading] => 2002 [sub_heading] => Sharing the Harvest [media] => Array ( [media_type] => image [image] => 3790 [video_file] => [video_file_thumbnail] => [video_platform] => [video_id] => [video_thumbnail] => [show_in] => in-self ) [content] => He formalised what had always been in his heart. The MJF Charitable Foundation was born — delivering healthcare, education, dignity, and hope to Sri Lanka’s most vulnerable. [link] => [button2_link] => [image_position] => left [media_width] => 50 [is_milestone] => yes [vertical_alignment] => top [section_title] => [section_toggle] => on [section_overflow] => hidden [section_width] => full [section_height] => auto [section_animation] => off [background_type] => white [background_width_limit] => no [background_image] => Array ( [image] => ) [background_video] => Array ( [video] => [poster] => ) [background_position] => Array ( [pos_x] => [pos_y] => [pos_x_custom] => [pos_y_custom] => ) [background_parallax] => Array ( [parallax] => no [speed] => 1 [height] => 1.2 [contain] => yes ) [background_opacity] => 1 [background_brightness] => 1 [overlay_type] => off [overlay_color] => primary-dark [overlay_opacity] => 0.85 [overlay_height] => 85 [font-colour] => black ) 2005Launch of the luxury leisure arm of Dilmah – MJF Leisure – with a world’s first, Ceylon Tea Trails, an iconic collection of 5 colonial era tea planters’ bungalows restored to impeccable style within a working tea plantation. Array ( [] => [heading] => 2005 [sub_heading] => [media] => Array ( [media_type] => image [image] => 7797 [video_file] => [video_file_thumbnail] => [video_platform] => [video_id] => [video_thumbnail] => [show_in] => in-self ) [content] => Launch of the luxury leisure arm of Dilmah – MJF Leisure – with a world’s first, Ceylon Tea Trails, an iconic collection of 5 colonial era tea planters’ bungalows restored to impeccable style within a working tea plantation. [link] => [button2_link] => [image_position] => left [media_width] => 50 [is_milestone] => yes [vertical_alignment] => top [section_title] => [section_toggle] => on [section_overflow] => hidden [section_width] => full [section_height] => auto [section_animation] => off [background_type] => white [background_width_limit] => no [background_image] => Array ( [image] => ) [background_video] => Array ( [video] => [poster] => ) [background_position] => Array ( [pos_x] => [pos_y] => [pos_x_custom] => [pos_y_custom] => ) [background_parallax] => Array ( [parallax] => no [speed] => 1 [height] => 1.2 [contain] => yes ) [background_opacity] => 1 [background_brightness] => 1 [overlay_type] => off [overlay_color] => primary-dark [overlay_opacity] => 0.85 [overlay_height] => 85 [font-colour] => black ) 2007Protecting NatureMJF expanded his mission through Dilmah Conservation, a rallying cry to protect Sri Lanka’s biodiversity, restore habitats, and advocate for sustainability in every business practice. Array ( [] => [heading] => 2007 [sub_heading] => Protecting Nature [media] => Array ( [media_type] => image [image] => 3795 [video_file] => [video_file_thumbnail] => [video_platform] => [video_id] => [video_thumbnail] => [show_in] => in-self ) [content] => MJF expanded his mission through Dilmah Conservation, a rallying cry to protect Sri Lanka’s biodiversity, restore habitats, and advocate for sustainability in every business practice. [link] => [button2_link] => [image_position] => left [media_width] => 50 [is_milestone] => yes [vertical_alignment] => top [section_title] => [section_toggle] => on [section_overflow] => hidden [section_width] => full [section_height] => auto [section_animation] => off [background_type] => white [background_width_limit] => no [background_image] => Array ( [image] => ) [background_video] => Array ( [video] => [poster] => ) [background_position] => Array ( [pos_x] => [pos_y] => [pos_x_custom] => [pos_y_custom] => ) [background_parallax] => Array ( [parallax] => no [speed] => 1 [height] => 1.2 [contain] => yes ) [background_opacity] => 1 [background_brightness] => 1 [overlay_type] => off [overlay_color] => primary-dark [overlay_opacity] => 0.85 [overlay_height] => 85 [font-colour] => black ) 2009Unwavering FaithMJF celebrated his 80th birthday, 60 years in tea and 21 years of Dilmah by dedicating the company to Jesus Christ. A 21-foot granite tower was installed at the company’s HQ inscribed with “Jesus is the Head of Dilmah”. Array ( [] => [heading] => 2009 [sub_heading] => Unwavering Faith [media] => Array ( [media_type] => image [image] => 3799 [video_file] => [video_file_thumbnail] => [video_platform] => [video_id] => [video_thumbnail] => [show_in] => in-self ) [content] => MJF celebrated his 80th birthday, 60 years in tea and 21 years of Dilmah by dedicating the company to Jesus Christ. A 21-foot granite tower was installed at the company’s HQ inscribed with “Jesus is the Head of Dilmah”. [link] => [button2_link] => [image_position] => left [media_width] => 50 [is_milestone] => yes [vertical_alignment] => top [section_title] => [section_toggle] => on [section_overflow] => hidden [section_width] => full [section_height] => auto [section_animation] => off [background_type] => white [background_width_limit] => no [background_image] => Array ( [image] => ) [background_video] => Array ( [video] => [poster] => ) [background_position] => Array ( [pos_x] => [pos_y] => [pos_x_custom] => [pos_y_custom] => ) [background_parallax] => Array ( [parallax] => no [speed] => 1 [height] => 1.2 [contain] => yes ) [background_opacity] => 1 [background_brightness] => 1 [overlay_type] => off [overlay_color] => primary-dark [overlay_opacity] => 0.85 [overlay_height] => 85 [font-colour] => black ) 2012 – 2017Making a StandMJF always made a stand for what was right, first overturning a colonial economic system and then championing pure, single origin Ceylon Tea against blending and adulterating. Array ( [] => [heading] => 2012 – 2017 [sub_heading] => Making a Stand [media] => Array ( [media_type] => image [image] => 3809 [video_file] => [video_file_thumbnail] => [video_platform] => [video_id] => [video_thumbnail] => [show_in] => in-self ) [content] => MJF always made a stand for what was right, first overturning a colonial economic system and then championing pure, single origin Ceylon Tea against blending and adulterating. [link] => [button2_link] => [image_position] => left [media_width] => 50 [is_milestone] => yes [vertical_alignment] => top [section_title] => [section_toggle] => on [section_overflow] => hidden [section_width] => full [section_height] => auto [section_animation] => off [background_type] => white [background_width_limit] => no [background_image] => Array ( [image] => ) [background_video] => Array ( [video] => [poster] => ) [background_position] => Array ( [pos_x] => [pos_y] => [pos_x_custom] => [pos_y_custom] => ) [background_parallax] => Array ( [parallax] => no [speed] => 1 [height] => 1.2 [contain] => yes ) [background_opacity] => 1 [background_brightness] => 1 [overlay_type] => off [overlay_color] => primary-dark [overlay_opacity] => 0.85 [overlay_height] => 85 [font-colour] => black ) 2015–2019Global Recognition for a Local GiantHe was honoured with the Oslo Business for Peace Award, an Honorary Doctorate, the title Deshamanya, and a host of environmental and humanitarian accolades. Array ( [] => [heading] => 2015–2019 [sub_heading] => Global Recognition for a Local Giant [media] => Array ( [media_type] => image [image] => 3810 [video_file] => [video_file_thumbnail] => [video_platform] => [video_id] => [video_thumbnail] => [show_in] => in-self ) [content] => He was honoured with the Oslo Business for Peace Award, an Honorary Doctorate, the title Deshamanya, and a host of environmental and humanitarian accolades. [link] => [button2_link] => [image_position] => left [media_width] => 50 [is_milestone] => yes [vertical_alignment] => top [section_title] => [section_toggle] => on [section_overflow] => hidden [section_width] => full [section_height] => auto [section_animation] => off [background_type] => white [background_width_limit] => no [background_image] => Array ( [image] => ) [background_video] => Array ( [video] => [poster] => ) [background_position] => Array ( [pos_x] => [pos_y] => [pos_x_custom] => [pos_y_custom] => ) [background_parallax] => Array ( [parallax] => no [speed] => 1 [height] => 1.2 [contain] => yes ) [background_opacity] => 1 [background_brightness] => 1 [overlay_type] => off [overlay_color] => primary-dark [overlay_opacity] => 0.85 [overlay_height] => 85 [font-colour] => black ) 2019MJF’s last major overseas business tour across Europe at age 89, still championing Dilmah. Array ( [] => [heading] => 2019 [sub_heading] => [media] => Array ( [media_type] => image [image] => [video_file] => [video_file_thumbnail] => [video_platform] => [video_id] => [video_thumbnail] => [show_in] => in-self ) [content] => MJF’s last major overseas business tour across Europe at age 89, still championing Dilmah. [link] => [button2_link] => [image_position] => left [media_width] => 50 [is_milestone] => yes [vertical_alignment] => top [section_title] => [section_toggle] => on [section_overflow] => hidden [section_width] => full [section_height] => auto [section_animation] => off [background_type] => white [background_width_limit] => no [background_image] => Array ( [image] => ) [background_video] => Array ( [video] => [poster] => ) [background_position] => Array ( [pos_x] => [pos_y] => [pos_x_custom] => [pos_y_custom] => ) [background_parallax] => Array ( [parallax] => no [speed] => 1 [height] => 1.2 [contain] => yes ) [background_opacity] => 1 [background_brightness] => 1 [overlay_type] => off [overlay_color] => primary-dark [overlay_opacity] => 0.85 [overlay_height] => 85 [font-colour] => black ) 2020A new species of lizard — Lankascincus merrill — was named in his honour. So was a lichen. He had become part of the island’s biodiversity in more ways than one. Array ( [] => [heading] => 2020 [sub_heading] => [media] => Array ( [media_type] => image [image] => 7799 [video_file] => [video_file_thumbnail] => [video_platform] => [video_id] => [video_thumbnail] => [show_in] => in-self ) [content] => A new species of lizard — Lankascincus merrill — was named in his honour. So was a lichen. He had become part of the island’s biodiversity in more ways than one. [link] => [button2_link] => [image_position] => left [media_width] => 50 [is_milestone] => yes [vertical_alignment] => top [section_title] => [section_toggle] => on [section_overflow] => hidden [section_width] => full [section_height] => auto [section_animation] => off [background_type] => white [background_width_limit] => no [background_image] => Array ( [image] => ) [background_video] => Array ( [video] => [poster] => ) [background_position] => Array ( [pos_x] => [pos_y] => [pos_x_custom] => [pos_y_custom] => ) [background_parallax] => Array ( [parallax] => no [speed] => 1 [height] => 1.2 [contain] => yes ) [background_opacity] => 1 [background_brightness] => 1 [overlay_type] => off [overlay_color] => primary-dark [overlay_opacity] => 0.85 [overlay_height] => 85 [font-colour] => black ) 2023A Life’s StoryIn April, his autobiography was published and in July, he passed away peacefully, aged 93, leaving behind a legacy of integrity and purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Array ( [] => [heading] => 2023 [sub_heading] => A Life’s Story [media] => Array ( [media_type] => image [image] => 7104 [video_file] => [video_file_thumbnail] => [video_platform] => [video_id] => [video_thumbnail] => [show_in] => in-self ) [content] => In April, his autobiography was published and in July, he passed away peacefully, aged 93, leaving behind a legacy of integrity and purpose-driven entrepreneurship. [link] => [button2_link] => [image_position] => left [media_width] => 50 [is_milestone] => yes [vertical_alignment] => top [section_title] => [section_toggle] => on [section_overflow] => hidden [section_width] => full [section_height] => auto [section_animation] => off [background_type] => white [background_width_limit] => no [background_image] => Array ( [image] => ) [background_video] => Array ( [video] => [poster] => ) [background_position] => Array ( [pos_x] => [pos_y] => [pos_x_custom] => [pos_y_custom] => ) [background_parallax] => Array ( [parallax] => no [speed] => 1 [height] => 1.2 [contain] => yes ) [background_opacity] => 1 [background_brightness] => 1 [overlay_type] => off [overlay_color] => primary-dark [overlay_opacity] => 0.85 [overlay_height] => 85 [font-colour] => black ) 2025On the 40th anniversary of Dilmah, the crest and logo was updated to centrally feature MJF, his love for Sri Lanka, his dedication to artisans, and his entirely authentic mission to take Ceylon tea to the world. 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