The nature of companies is that they must compete with others and generate profit, the larger the better. That’s fine, as long as they respect their workers, the community and their environment, And express their thanks. That is the philosophy that led to the creation of the MJF Charitable Foundation. Merrill J. Fernando, a man of ordinary means who started with nothing, devoted his life to fulfilling a dream. It took him over three decades but he achieved that dream – to pack, brand and supply his country’s crop direct to consumers. He created his brand ‘Dilmah, named after his two sons, Dilhan and Malik, and in the process eliminated the middleman and his profit and brought quality Ceylon Tea back to supermarket shelves in many countries.

Merrill achieved his dream with the encouragement, support and commitment of his workers, colleagues, community and Mother Nature. The Foundation is the fulfilment of another of Merrill’s dreams, of giving back to those that gave him success in such generous proportions.

The MJF Charitable Foundation is managed by volunteers from Merrill’s companies and is overseen by a Board of Trustees. The main emphasis of Foundation activity has been the Mother and Child, in an effort to improve infant mortality at birth, nutrition, education and vocational training, as well as addressing social issues such as spousal abuse, commercial exploitation of women and children and the provision of healthcare to plantation workers and the community. The Foundation is engaged in industry service projects which seek to secure the future of the Ceylon Tea Industry, and has recently commenced a major initiative to rehabilitate and support those affected by the December 2004 Tsunami.