In May 2009 Dilmah together with Hilton Colombo launched an innovative charity tea pot programme to raise funds to build a school for a rural village in Sri Lanka. This village, Koulara, is a remote village in close proximity to the Uda Walawe National Park in South East Sri Lanka. The villagers were trapped in poorly paid menial labour at the local sugarcane plantation. The MJF Charitable Foundation adopted the isolated and deprived village of Koulara, within its 'Local Heroes' initiative with the objective to empower them in a more sustainable and rewarding livelihood. With the assistance of a resource person the Foundation guided the community to embrace a livelihood in pottery.

The charity tea pot programme conducted in association with the Hilton Colombo was done in order to uplift the lives of the Koulara community through a special tea pot sale and exhibition. Each of the tea pots that were on display at the hotel lobby were the handcrafted creations of Ajith Perara, master potter and mentor to the Koulara community. All proceeds from the sale of the teapots are channelled toward the construction of a pre-school for the children of Koulara.

The 'Animal Tracks' pottery project was introduced to Koulara, combining livelihood enhancement, empowerment of women, and environmental sustainability in a multifaceted project. The project which was introduced to the village community of Koulara two years ago, sought to encourage the community to abandon occupations as unskilled labour and embrace a more sustainable and rewarding livelihood, that involves a revival of their ancient tradition. The villagers are provided training in pottery through the guidance of an MJF Foundation resource person Ajith Perera, one of Sri Lanka's most talented pottery craftsmen. For nearly two years Ajith has guided the Koulara community in the art of pottery and today, this simple village community produces exquisite items, which are enjoyed by consumers around the world through the Dilmah marketing network. Today, this rural community is transformed and their creativity and talent is appreciated around the world.