News & events
News

Dilmah launches The Genesis Project
Dilmah’s ‘The Genesis Project’ recently launched at the birthplace of Dilmah Tea in Maligawatte – will be an innovation hub and centre of excellence for Nature-based solutions. It will be an incubator that births and nurtures agripreneurs to reach their fullest potential and conquer international markets. And a home for industry experts and food and agri entrepreneurs to gather, share knowledge and inspire each other.

A Cup Of Kindness Goes A Long Way
With the help of your cuppa the Dilmah MJF Charitable Foundation and Kahawatte Plantations have joined hands to support the Suwa Seriya Ambulance Service. We have pledged our commitment to allocating 7 ambulances to 7 District Hospitals across the country, including DGH Nawalapitiya, Base Hospital Kahawatte, Glencairn District Hospital Dickoya, Teaching Hospital Nuwara Eliya, Kiribathgoda, Point Pedro and Teaching Hospital Batticaloa. Staying true to our Founder Merrill J. Fernando's purpose, with every cup of Dilmah you sip, 15% of the profits go towards serving humanity with kindness to people & nature!

An Enterprise and its Impact

CELEBRATING ABILITY

Celebrating the Ability – AIDEX 2022

Soon-to-be Chefs Learning to brew a perfect cup of tea!

The People’s Market

Every Drop Counts! Blood Donation Camp 2022

CP Day Celebrations in MJF Centre Moratuwa

Million Reasons to Smile – Celebrating Cerebral Palsy Day 2022
Hemas, Dilmah, Daraz hand over vital medicines to MoH through UNDP’s private sector facility

Art and Crafts Expo 2022 – MJF Kids Peliyagoda, Maligawatte and Weragodella

Literacy Day Celebrations in MJF Centre East
World Literacy Day is celebrated on 8 September every year. And Our MJF Centre East organized a series of programs for school children in the area to recognize their creativity and writing skills.

The Inauguration of the Alumni Association - Empower Culinary and Hospitality School (ECHS)

Holidays, friends, family, and fun!

Opening new doors to small businesses in Kalkudah

Dilmah Culinary School: The new batch of young chefs empowered by Dilmah’s culinary school is ready to take up the challenges in the hospitality industry

Dilmah’s MJF Centre East Opens Cashew Processing Centre for Smallholders

Supporting Differently Able Entrepreneurs, Dilmah MJF Foundation Small Entrepreneur Programme (SEP)

Giving back to the hospital that gave him life amidst sorrow

Dilmah coveted as ‘Most Globally Outreached Sri Lankan Brand’

Orange the World: 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

How quality tea makes a difference

The advantages of using our disABILITY Screening App

Dilmah Tea: A Most Admired Company in Sri Lanka – 2021

The disABILITY Screening App

LIFE STYLENIGHT MARKET, Street Food and Musical Fiesta with a Cause

Early diagnosis can maximise CP children’s mobility and potential

Private enterprise and social justice

Nurturing a child’s formative years

Childhood Disability Requires Holistic Approach

Dilmah Tea and Kahawatte Plantations donate Rs. 25 mn. High Dependency Care Unit to Nawalapitiya General Hospital
Nawalapitiya, Sri Lanka – The Merrill J. Fernando High Dependency Care Facility was inaugurated on August 16 at the, Nawalapitiya District General Hospital. The facility, costing nearly Rs. 25 mn., was funded by Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company Plc and its associate Kahawatte Plantations Plc with the facilitation of the MJF Charitable Foundation, Dilmah announced.

Dilmah Tea and Kahawatte Plantations donate High Dependency Care Unit to Nawalapitiya General Hospital

Workshop on ‘Affordable Motion Capturing for Gait Analysis, Clinical Rehabilitation and Sports’

Heads of state, CEOs, UN chiefs call for action on sustainability to recover better from COVID-19

Top SL business leaders panelist at UN Global Compact Summit 2021

‘Stronger Together’: Collaboration for the future of Sri Lanka’s plantation sector

Hilton supports Dilmah’s ECHS in inspiring next generation of chefs

Transforming Supply Chain Sustainability through Ethical Sourcing

Community, food, and music: MJF Centre, Moratuwa to host its inaugural Night Market

Down Syndrome: Early intervention reduces disabilities

Celebrating youth with Down syndrome: The Down Syndrome Virtual Day

Empower differently-abled children with skills training

Three of the women leading change with British Council’s ‘Voices and Choices’

A Kinder Christmas: MJF Charitable Foundation Hosts Annual Gathering

LSEG SL partners CLF to help young sporting talent

Apt App to soothe Hearts of Gold!

disABILITY: Staying connected with a life-changing app

'disABILITY'

disABILITY – An Innovative Teletherapy App to support children with disability Designed and developed by Dilmah’s MJF Foundation and MillenniumIT ESP.

Cerebral Palsy Art Competition

MillenniumIT ESP’s HealthVision Digitally Connects Children with Special Needs to MJF Charitable Foundation’s Health and Education Services

Making The Most Of Lockdown: Sri Lanka’s Hospitality Workers Are Prepping For The Future

Empower differently -abled children with early treatment

MJF Foundation Launches First Tri-Lingual Online Channel on Disability

Dilmah Donates 10,000 Covid Testing Kits To The Ministry Of Health

Rukshan Perera – Live in Concert 10

DBC students visit Sri Lanka

Festive vibe resonates at Colombo Design Market 2019

Dilmah founder Merrill J. Fernando's work recognized with NZ doctorate

NCCCPDD comes to Kandy

We are flowers, trying to bloom and smile
Luckey Deva is a musician whose songs and dramas have inspired positive change. His popularity and recognition as an artist date back to his days as a vocalist with the Golden Chimes in the 80s.

A Visit To National Centre For Children With Cerebral Palsy And Other Developmental Disorders
MAITS’ CEO went to visit one of our long-term partners, the National Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy and other Developmental Disorders (NCCCPDD), who we have been working with for a number of years,

Business as a Human Service: Merrill J. Fernando

Celebrating Differences 2018 An evening of unitea and diversitea
Celebrating Differences – the much-awaited concert of MJF Charitable Foundation, marks the most joyous of seasons, Christmas where every child is given the chance to shine on stage.

Connecting over Cricket

The Soles of Sri Lanka

The School Bag Project by Tokai Coop

MJF Alumni 2018 Connecting the past and present of MJF Centre in Peliyagoda

Giving them a chance too
The Dignified Empowerment and Sustainable Development Centre in Kalkudah in the Eastern Province

Dilmah’s Swedish Partner continues to support local communities in Sri Lanka

Dilmah opens NZD 11 Million centre to help eastern Sri Lankans

MJF Youth - Kite Festival 2018

Twenty-three acre MJF Centre opened: Dilmah to empower communities in Kalkudah
Continuing the legacy of Merrill J. Fernando, the MJF Centre for Dignified Empowerment and Sustainable Development

Philanthropist Dilmah Tea owning family opens humanitarian centre
MJF Centre for Dignified Empowerment and Sustainable Development inaugurated in Kalkudah
Disadvantaged in Kalkudah to be empowered

Hope rises in the East

A day with Daco, discovering art and abstract animals

Artist Daco Entertains MJF Kids and Demonstrates the Power of Non-Traditional Art

“I can change the world”

Seamstresses who found success in Pahalalanda.
Unemployed and struggling to make ends meet, for the women of

When sewing becomes a small business.
Village sewing classes are thriving at the MJFCF, Centre in Pahalalanda, with the first year of trainees already pursuing their own tailoring businesses.

The Empower Culinary & Hospitality School welcomes freshers for their 4th culinary boot camp.
The orientation programme for the class of 2018 of The Empower Culinary & Hospitality School was held on the 18th of June, 2018 at the MJF Charitable Foundation, Moratuwa.

Crowning the culinary excellence - Empower Culinary & Hospitality School, Class of 2018 graduates.
The third intake of Empower Culinary & Hospitality School graduated on the 31st of March, 2018, after having successfully completed their intensive training course. The students prepared a custom-made menu which was presented the Settlor, Mr Merrill J. Fernando, his sons Malik J. Fernando and Dilhan C. Fernando, ECHS Governor Rohan Fernandopulle, Trustees, staff and friends of the MJF Charitable Foundation. The 3-course menu was a delectable display of their mastery of culinary disciplines, learnt during the programme.

#PressforProgress - Women's Day Celebrations at Dilmah.
This year’s official theme of International Women’s Day, #PressforProgress, encourages women and men everywhere to take groundbreaking steps towards the progress of women. With a groundswell of momentum, on the 8th of March 2018, The Women’s Development Programme from The MJF Foundation Centre in Moratuwa organized an entertaining and informative program at Dilmah HQ, Peliyagoda to celebrate and advocate for the advancement of women from all walks of life. The theme of the event resonated with the wishes of millions of women across the country who struggle and strive for progress in life.

Dhiriya Awards – Building the base for a better life.
‘Dhiriya’ gives hope to far-fetched goals in life. At Merrill J. Fernando Charitable Foundation – Dhiriya Centre, 250 school children and young, ambitious adults, benefit from academic and vocational training which gives them ‘Dhiriya’ – the encouragement and support to excel in examinations and succeed in life as self-employed, independent individuals.

Sri Lankan Puppet Theatre Through The Ages
Different forms of theatre—such as indoor stage dramas, street drama and puppet theatre performances—have been a part of Sinhalese culture for centuries. In fact, puppet theatre performances, known as rukada sandarshana in Sinhalese, have been traced back to the days of the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa kingdoms.

Little girls can be giants
Wearing a colourful dress of yellow and orange with white lace around the neck line, she looked at the passersby with her large expressive eyes. Many who saw her, stopped in their tracks to take a picture of this pretty girl. Children were excited by the mere sight of her and a few intimidated, for she is all of 14 feet tall.

Celebrating The Magic of Giant Puppets

Cheer for the freedom of mobility
The annual sports meet of National Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Disorders (NCCCPDD) was held last week.

Dilmah founder helps to rehabilitate prisoners
The man who created history in the tea industry in Sri Lanka asserting that the future of the industry lies in the concept of marketing tea...

First Augmentative and Alternative Communication App in Sinhalese Launched
Avaz Sri Lanka is the first Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) app launched in Sinhalese.

The AIDEX Meet Athletics With A Difference
The Colombo Friend in Need Society ( CFIS), in collaboration Dilmah and assisted by several other private organizations and well-wishers , has organized the AIDEX Annual Sports Festival...
The NCCCPDD celebrates World Cerebral Palsy Day with an empowering love for life

4th Asia Pacific Choir Games and Grand Prix of Nations - Colombo 2017

Team Ranaviru Sevana emerges champions of the 6th Dilmah Challenge Trophy National Blind Cricket Tournament Finals
Team Ranaviru Sevana secured a last wicket win over team Shakthi during the nail biting finals of the 6th Dilmah Challenge Trophy National Blind Cricket Tournament held on August 19th at the Wesley College Grounds.

The Empower Culinary & Hospitality School Felicitated Its Second Batch of Culinary Graduates
The Empower Culinary & Hospitality School, Sri Lanka’s premier culinary and hospitality facility with World Association of Chefs' Societies (WACS) recognition...

Eastern Sri Lanka is rising!
The construction of the MJF Centre for Dignified and Sustainable Empowerment- East is progressing as men, women and children whose wellbeing was compromised due to the ethnic conflict, look forward to the brand new beginning…

Taj Samudra Colombo emerges winners at Bocuse d' Or Sri Lanka 2017 with 'Best Dilmah Tea-Inspired Dish
Taj Samudra Colombo emerged victorious at the Bocuse d' Or Sri Lanka 2017 competition held recently. The winning concoction was the 'Best Dilmah Tea-Inspired Dish'.

From unemployed to culinary role model in eight months - The story of a Bocuse d’Or Sri Lanka Gold Medalist
Every individual has inherent ability regardless of their circumstances; poverty is debilitating, but not disabling, physical disability in most cases is ability...

The story of a Bocuse d’Or Sri Lanka Gold Medallist – from unemployed to culinary role model in 8 months
Every individual has inherent ability regardless of their circumstances; poverty is debilitating, but not disabling, physical disability in most cases is ability in an untypical form.

MJFCF’s Curtiss Institute for Design empowers 40 underprivileged Sri Lankans with essential skill set
The 4th of June 2017 was a day of joy and celebration for the students of the Curtiss Center for Design.

Blind Cricket: Dilmah Challenge Trophy tomorrow
The 6th Dilmah Challenge Trophy National Blind Cricket Tournament is set to begin tomorrow, it has been announced.

11 Teams will battle for supremacy
Eleven visually impaired Cricket teams will battle for supremacy in the 6th Dilmah Challenge Trophy National Blind Cricket Tournament scheduled from June 3-29.
Launch of "A field guide to Dragonflies and Damselflies" Book
Pursuing a hopeful aspiration to coalesce scientific knowledge and deeper reflection on nature, Dilmah Conservation will release its latest publication "A field guide to Dragonflies and Damselflies"...

6th Dilmah Challenge Trophy National Blind Cricket Tournamentto commence in June

Small Island, big dreams
Inspiring Sri Lanka's next generation through the success stories of innovative leaders, entrepreneurs and drivers of change. Indira Kithsiri and Hashendra Wijesinha collaborate to write a book...

Empower Culinary & Hospitality School receives prestigious WorldChefs Certification
The Empower Culinary & Hospitality School, Sri Lanka's premier culinary and hospitality facility, which creates new avenues for underprivileged and marginalised youth...

Empower Culinary & Hospitality School's inaugural graduates felicitated in international event
The Empower Culinary & Hospitality School, Sri Lanka's premier culinary and hospitality facility with World Association of Chefs' Societies (WACS) recognition...

The MJF Centre for Dignified and Sustainable Empowerment model replicated in Sri Lanka's East
On February 3, 2017, the Merrill J. Fernando Charitable Foundation (MJFCF) established in fulfillment of its Founder's philosophy...

President Sirisena inaugurates Dilmah Conservation One Earth, Sri Lanka's First Urban Arboretum

The Spirit of Christmas
On most days there is an aura of peace at the MJF Centre. Some kids drum, others sing, dance or perform acrobatics. Some kids look a little different as they have Down Syndrome, some Cerebral Palsy or Autism while others are typical and come from poverty stricken communities.

Merrill J. Fernando honoured with FIRST Award for Responsible Capitalism for improving the lives of underprivileged children and deprived communities
The man known as the Teamaker - Dilmah Founder Merrill J. Fernando - was honoured in the United Kingdom with the FIRST Award for Responsible Capitalism 2016, on November 30 at the Royal Automobile Club, London.

MJF Charitable Foundation develops Kayts Base hospital in North of Sri Lanka
Merrill J. Fernando, Settlor of the MJF Charitable Foundation, inaugurated a new Outpatient Department and Administrative Block for the Kayts Base Hospital earlier this month.

Dilmah's quest to enable the differently-abled through AIDEX continues
The Merrill J. Fernando Charitable Foundation (MJFCF) has always worked towards uplifting the conditions of the differently-abled and countering the discrimination faced by such individuals...

Young chefs at Empower Culinary Training Centre on an international culinary adventure
The world class chefs Sean Collins from Accor Hotels, Selvana Chelvanaigum from William Angliss Institute and Volker Marecek from The Langham, Auckland who volunteered to lecture and train the students of the Empower Culinary Training Centre...

The First Decade of MJF Kids celebrated on a grand note
An event highly anticipated by the MJF Kids Programme participants; both past and present- the 'First Decade...

Tea turns a new leaf for executive chef
Volker Marecek has hung up his executive chef,s hat and jacket to go and teach young Sri Lankans how to cook, among other things, pasta.

A helping hand for those living with Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Disorders
The teenagers on wheelchair, accompanied by their caregivers, lined up at hallway of the National Centre for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Disorders in Ambagahawatte on the outskirts of Colombo to attend the official opening of the Centre.

On a mission to shed light on Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Disorders
The lack of awareness and social stigma associated with Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Disorders...

Open doors for these special needs children

Dilmah brings help and hope for more families at Dunkeld Estate
It was a new lease of life for 21 estate families in the upper division of the Dunkeld estate when they received the keys to the brand new housing units built by the Merrill J. Fernando Charitable Foundation.

Illuminating the talents of visually impaired cricketers
The Dilmah Blind Cricket Tournament finals was a true celebration of sportsmanship and teamwork among the visually impaired through the game of cricket. The two evenly matched teams Ranaviru of the Ranaviru Sevena (Home for Injured Soldiers) in Ragama and Shakthi Sports Club from the isolated area of Moneragala met in a nail biting match.

Sir Richard Hadlee shares cricketing tips with underprivileged kids
Kiwi cricket legend Sir Richard Hadlee was on a flying visit to Sri Lanka on Friday, June 17th. He was here in his capacity as Patron of the Cricket Live Foundation. He met with Founder Merrill J. Fernando at the Dilmah head office in Peliyagoda where he was taken through the intricacies of traditional tea making by the Founder.

First round of the Dilmah National Blind Cricket tournament completed successfully
The first round of the Dilmah National Blind Cricket tournament which commenced in April has been completed, with four teams already through to the quarter finals. The final four teams will be selected in matches to be held next week in Colombo.

12 physically-disabled entrepreneurs receive grants from the MJF Charitable Foundation
Twelve physically-disabled entrepreneurs were given grants by the Merrill J. Fernando Charitable Foundation, at a ceremony held at the Colombo Friends In Need (CFINS) head office recently.

43rd Alumni of the Dilmah School of Tea visit the MJF Centre for Dignified and Sustainable Empowerment
The 43rd Alumni of the Dilmah School of Tea (SOT) visited the Merrill J. Fernando Charitable Foundation to spend time with the MJF kids and to see the charitable work that goes on there.

The 5th Dilmah National Blind Cricket tournament gets underway
The Dilmah National Blind Cricket tournament commenced on Saturday, April 30th. The Blind Cricket tournament consists of a number of elimination matches played over the months of May and June...

Dilmah tea in the 'Brands with a Conscience' publication
Dilmah Tea is highlighted as a brand with a conscience in the new publication by the Medinge Group, "Brands with a Conscience" . In 2005 Dilmah was the proud recipient of the prestigious award by the Medinge Group the "2005 Top Brand with a Conscience".

Sri Lanka National Blind Cricket team ready for Pakistan cricket tournament
The Sri Lanka National Blind Cricket team is currently preparing for a Pakistan tour, in which they will be playing three T-20 and three one day matches from April 3rd to 10th. The team received their official uniforms sponsored by Dilmah today.

Asirimath Iskole the "School of Inspiration"; a gift to the village of Koul Ara
The Asirimath Iskole, the “School of Inspiration†in the rural area of Koul Ara, was declared open on Saturday, March 26th, 2016, by Settlor of the MJF Charitable Foundation (MJFCF), Merrill. J. Fernando.

MJFCF Fathers Cricket Tournament
To encourage the active participation of the fathers of the MJF Kids, the MJF Charitable Foundation organized a Father's Day cricket tournament held on Tuesday, 22nd of March. The event was facilitated by the Social Alliance for Love and Trust (SALT) the youth group that successfully conducted the Teen Camp at the Foundation in February.

Join the fun at the World Down Syndrome Day celebrations at the MJFCF Moratuwa
Come join the MJF Centre in Moratuwa when they celebrate World Down Syndrome Day, on Saturday 19th March. The day promises to be an interesting one for all with a number of events including a variety of activities organized to celebrate these special individuals.

Celebrating Women
"Pledging for Parity!" was the theme of International Women's Day 2016, and the MJF Centre Moratuwa held a special

Moratuwa MJF kids Talent Show
The Moratuwa MJF Kids Talent Show held on the 27th of March 2016, was an enchanting and inspiring evening as the kids showcased their aesthetic talents to the audience, alongside students from the Rainbow Centre for special needs.

Enabling the Ex-Abled Through a Celebration of Ability and the Means for Steady Livelihoods
October 2015, Colombo : The AIDEX (Aid to the Ex-Abled) Annual Sports Festival, sponsored by Dilmah and the MJF Charitable Foundation (MJFCF), was held recently in its consecutive 19th year at Wesley College Grounds in Colombo.

Life through Cricket Extends its reach in Moratuwa
Sunanda Upananda Vidyalaya (SUV) is one of the two schools supported by the Cricket Live programme and the MJF Charitable Foundation (MJFCF).

Akbo brings home gold!
“I never thought this dream a possibility, but I worked hard and achieved it somehow,” says a smiling Akbo Manula Jayawardana, after placing first in both the 200m and 100m running events at the Special Olympics World Games 2015 held in Los Angeles this year.

Empowerment through culinary education
The MJF Charitable Foundation (MJFCF) has commenced yet another initiative aimed at providing children from underprivileged and disadvantaged backgrounds with the possibility of empowerment through education.

Dilmah Founder Merrill J. Fernando honoured with Oslo Business for Peace Award
Dilmah Founder Merrill J. Fernando received the Business for Peace Award on the 6th of May 2015, in Oslo's most famous building, the City Hall, where the Nobel Prize is awarded annually.

I couldn’t have afforded this house. My kids are happy because they feel secure
As of 30th March 2015, all 49 families who were living in temporary accommodation on Dunkeld estate have completed receiving their allotment of permanent housing built by the Merrill J. Fernando Charitable Foundation (MJF CF) since Dilmah acquired full ownership of the property.

“I cannot express what it feels to hold the keys to our own home”
“I cannot express what it feels to hold the keys to our own home,” said Jasmine Radhakrishnan (27), born and bred on Dunkeld Estate. “This new house is a dream come true and we can now plan for a better future with our children.”

“Today, I am the most fortunate man in the world,” says Blind Federation Treasurer
Over 600,000 people in Sri Lanka are visually impaired, while 200,000 persons are estimated to be blind. Of the foremost challenges blind people face in education, the lack of books in Braille is critical, whilst the difficulty in accessing them and comparatively high cost of purchase are drawbacks.

Cricket Live Premier League
A week long cricket tournament, the Cricket Live Premier League (CLPL), has just concluded at the De Zoysa Cricket Stadium in Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.

Celebrating Differences – 2014
The children of MJF Charitable Foundation held its annual concert on 12 December 2014, bringing together all children for an evening of artistic and creative expression.

Business is a matter of human service' - Dilmah Founder, Merrill J. Fernando in Vietnam
Fernando though in his eighties, is the Chairman of the global leading tea brand and still has much enthusiasm for social and humanitarian activities.

School uniforms gifted to children in former war-affected areas
Over 4,500 school children from 28 schools in the Batticaloa West Education zone in Vavunativu DS Division received a set of school uniforms from the MJF Charitable Foundation at the Munaikadu Tamil MV school.

Livelihood support: earning a living with dignity
The MJF Charitable Foundation recently made its fifth round of Social Entrepreneur Programme (SEP) funding grants targeting war-affected families in the East.

Live cricket with Stephen Fleming
Life through Cricket'- a joint initiative between the MJF Charitable Foundation (MJFCF) and Cricket Live Foundation (CLF), New Zealand held a cricket coaching program in Moratuwa (03 Nov.) for 24 underprivileged children and their coaches.

Dilmah helps empower differently-able in sport
Harshini Kumari Pathiraja, studying for the Advance Level in the Commerce stream, came all the way from Kurunegala to take part in 2014's AIDEX (Aid to the Ex-Abled) Sports Festival that was held in Colombo.

The 7th Annual Merrill J. Fernando Challenge Trophy
Cricket is more than just a sport to many Sri Lankans and has become a platform for unity and equality since Sri Lanka made its international debut in the 1975 inaugural Cricket World Cup.

Game of Hope
“Cricket is my favourite sport and I’m so happy that the Life through Cricket programme is giving me a chance to play this match with all my friends. We are learning to be a team and have lots of fun.

MJFCF and Cricket Live Foundation refurbish indoor nets at the De Zoysa Stadium, Moratuwa
The MJF Charitable Foundation (MJFCF) together with Cricket Live Foundation jointly initiated the Life through Cricket programme in January 2014.

Creating Awareness on Reproductive Health for Dilmah Employees
Over 650 staff members of Dilmah Tea employed at the Peliyagoda factory premises attended a Sexual Reproductive Health and Family Planning workshop on 7 July 2014.

116 students graduate from the Curtiss Centre for Design
It was day of celebration and commemoration that saw the 4th batch of students from the Curtiss Centre for Design graduate at a special Certificates Awarding Ceremony held at the MJF Centre in Moratuwa on 28 June 2014.

Life through Cricket completes initial phase
‘Life through Cricket’ – a collaborative programme between the MJF Charitable Foundation and Cricket Live New Zealand has completed the first three months with the opening of the refurbished outdoor practice nets at the De Zoysa stadium at Moratuwa on 7 March 2014.

Supporting a life of possibility
Dilmah Founder, Merrill J. Fernando laid the foundation stone to a new Vocational Training Centre aimed at training disadvantaged youth in culinary and hospitality.

Inspiring change through our own
Members of the Women’s Development Programme of the MJF Charitable Foundation join hands in celebrating International Women’s Day 2014.

Learning through diversity
The MJF Sithijaya Centre for the differently-abled in Ambalantota re-commenced its operations on 12 February after a temporary closure of the centre since June 2012.

The Rainbow Centre marks two years of humane service and care for the deserving
The Rainbow Centre at the MJF Kids Centre in Moratuwa celebrates two years of service this February. The centre provides a holistic development programme for students with special needs whose age ranges from as little as eight months to 35 years of age.

Hope for children of the East
Deserving children from former conflict areas receive uniforms through the MJF Charitable Foundation.

MJF Sithijaya Centre for the differently-abled recommences its operation in Ambalantota
The MJF Sithijaya Centre in Ambalantota recommenced its operational activities with a new management team headed by the Divisional Secretary Ambalantota on 12 February 2014.

Strengthening development at Carlebeck Tamil Vidyalaya
Carlebeck Tami Vidyalaya will commemorate its 75th anniversary this year. It has a student population of 540 with 23 teachers.

Opening new avenues for children of the plantation community
Two computer centres, created exclusively for the children of the plantation community, were formally handed over to Craighead and Imboolpitiya Estates of the Kahawatte Plantations...

The 18th Annual Aid to the Ex-abled (AIDEX) Sports Festival
The conflict which lasted for nearly three decades saw many people losing their limbs to land mines. The AIDEX (Aid to the Ex-Abled) Annual Sports Festival, now in its 18th year...

MJF Foundation empowers war affected women in Batticaloa
On 29th December 2012, Dilmah Founder Merrill J. Fernando's MJF Charitable Foundation, extended its women's empowerment programme to Batticaloa in Eastern Sri Lanka.

A chance to reform & integrate
Thirty four (34) persons were given the opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity through the ‘Reform & Integrate’ initiative of the MJF Charitable Foundation during a ceremony held at the Colombo Welikada Prison on March 2.

MJFCF Challenge Trophy 2013 – cricket with a difference
The 6th annual Merrill J. Fernando Challenge Trophy for Excellence in Blind Cricket concluded at the Wesley College Grounds recently.

Shoes for their little feet
A thousand pairs of new shoes were distributed amongst children in the MJF Kids Programme recently. The MJF Charitable Foundation worked with Unity Brands Group...

An eye clinic for senior citizens at the Imboolpitiya Estate
The MJF Charitable Foundation worked with Helpage Sri Lanka to carry out an eye clinic at the Imboolpitiya Estate on March 23 and 24.

MJF Kids celebrate their differences on World Down Syndrome Day
MJF Kids and their parents joined the Settlor of the MJF Charitable Foundation Merrill J. Fernando and the extended Dilmah family to celebrate their differences on World Down Syndrome Day at the MJF Centre Moratuwa on 16th March 2013.

‘Country Roads’ wows the MJF Kids
The MJF Kids were treated to a special ‘Country Roads’ performance last evening at the Moratuwa MJF Centre.

AuSLMAT works with MJF Foundation on plantation healthcare programme
A team of doctors and other medical staff from AuSLMAT (Australia Sri Lanka Medical Assistance Team) were in Sri Lanka recently to carry out a series of medical camps across the country.

The Impoverished Pahalalanda Community’s Efforts Bear Fruit
The first crop of pineapples from the Orange and Pineapple project in Pahalalanda Ampara was handed over to Settlor of the MJF Charitable Foundation, Merrill J. Fernando in June this year.

Empowering marginalized victims of war
The MJF Charitable Foundation’s Small Entrepreneur Programme (SEP) recently granted 14 rehabilitated former LTTE carders housed at the Sinhapura Camp...

Happiness and World Down Syndrome Day 2011
World Down Syndrome Day brought happiness to the children of Diri Daru Piyasa at the MJF Foundation Centre in Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.

Empowering Women – Achieving a Double Century on International Women’s Day
The MJF Charitable Foundation celebrated the 100th Anniversary of International Women’s Day in a unique manner this year by awarding livelihood support to 100 war affected women in the North of Sri Lanka.

MJF Kids Programme Commences at the MJF Centre, Moratuwa
The MJF Kids programme at the MJF Centre in Moratuwa formally commenced in February 2011. The MJF Kids Moratuwa consists of children who live in the vicinity who are from urban, slum areas.

Empowering the East of Sri Lanka – Launch of Orange Project in Ampara
The MJF Charitable Foundation officially launched the orange growing project in Pahalalanda in the Ampara district on the 26th of February 2011.

Dilmah: Empowering the Differently Abled through AIDEX 2010
AIDEX 2010 (Aid to the Ex-Abled) Annual Sports Festival was held on the 10th of October 2010 at the Colombo Municipal Grounds.

Empowering the Future Generation – MJF Kids Leaders Camp 2010
Sixty eight children who are part of the MJF Kids Programme in Peliyagoda, Maligawatte, Moratuwa, Pallansena and Siyambalanduwa attended a Leadership camp organized by the MJF Charitable Foundation.

Building Bridges – Connecting Worlds
On the 12th of September, 2010 the MJF Kids in Sri Lanka got the unique opportunity of communicating with the children of the Rays of Home orphanage in Russia through video conferencing via Skype.

Strengthening the Underprivileged – Dhiriya Centre
The MJF Charitable Foundation with the support of Gourmet Foods, Poland helps nearly 200 children a year in the Siyambalanduwa region.

Ethical Pappadam from our Moneragala Local Hero
In 2007, Dharmadasa and Sumanawathie, his wife, were the proud but exploited owners of a small, mud walled ‘factory’ in which they produced pappadam, the crispy accompaniment to rice & curry that is popular in Sri Lanka.

Creche with a view – MJF Foundation’s 71st Child Development Centre on Easdale Estate
Dilmah Founder and MJF Foundation Settlor Merrill J. Fernando last week declared open the 71st MJF Foundation supported Child Development Centre (CDC) in the Easdale Division of Somerset Estate.

Prison Break – helping reformed prisoners become good citizens
The MJF Foundation’s Small Entrepreneur Programme (SEP) has empowered underprivileged people in the most remote parts of Sri Lanka.

Zero to Hero: Empowering Moneragala
The remote and beautiful province of Moneragala is Sri Lanka’s poorest. In 2007 the MJF Foundation initiated its ‘Local Heroes’ initiative which was designed to build on the success of the Small Entrepreneur Programme...

Koul Ara : a community empowered
Traditional Sri Lankan New Year was never this good for the men and women of isolated Koul Ara, a tiny village in Southern Sri Lanka .

MJF Foundation extends Women’s Empowerment programmes on International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day has been celebrated since the early 1900s and is the global day connecting all women around the world inspiring them to achieve their full potential.

Nurturing children from the plantations
The MJF Charitable Foundation, that has aimed to uplift the lives of underprivileged children through initiatives that provide them the tools to shape their future, has been actively involved in the caring and educational instruction of plantation children.

Pahan Tharuwa 2007 – Smiles of Joy for underprivileged children from North, South, East and West
Pahan Tharuwa, meaning Ray of Hope in Sinhala is the annual Day of Joy that the MJF Foundation has offered underprivileged children since 2001.

MJFCF rolls out the ‘Animal Tracks’ project for rural youth in the vicinity of the Udawalawe
Rural communities in Sri Lanka face tremendous challenges as a result of changes in traditional social and economic structures.

MJF Charitable Foundation drives massive housing project in Batticaloa
In co-operation with the Sri Lanka Government and UN Habitat, the MJF Charitable Foundation is facilitating the largest post tsunami relocation project in Sri Lanka.

Bringing a smile to the faces of tea estate workers and their families
On Dilmah Tea Gardens, workers and their families benefit from hospitals and medical facilities provided or enhanced by the Foundation.

A Community and Vocational Training Centre for Lunama, from BBC Southern Counties Radio
Lunama , Hambantota 26th November 2005 : Eleven months to the day after the December 26th tsunami, the BBC Southern Counties Radio (SCR) tsunami relief programme recorded another milestone...

Foundation upgrades Eye Clinic for HelpAge Sri Lanka
The MJF Foundation on Friday 23rd October formally handed over equipment designed to significantly enhance the capability of the HelpAge Sri Lanka free eye clinic in Colombo.

A Ray of Hope for ‘tsunami children’
Pahan Tharuwa, meaning in Sinhala ‘Ray of Hope’ is an annual MJF Foundation event which brings children from distant parts of Sri Lanka together, for a ‘day of joy’.