Tea community

The MJF Scholarship Programme lies at the root of all MJF Foundation activities. Over the past 18 years and for many years before then, children from Kahawatta, Elpitiya and Talawakelle Plantations have been eligible for scholarships supporting their A Levels and then University.

“Dilmah Founder Merrill J Fernando’s speech during a visit made me realise that if we are determined enough, no dream or ambition is beyond our reach.” - Dr Balakrishnan Sathiyaraj

Today, as two of the very first doctors from the plantation community, Dr Balakrishnan Sathiyaraj and Kuppusamy Kanageswari live a modest life in Badulla with their two sons and parents. Education empowered them to take charge of their lives. The MJF Charitable Foundation (MJFCF) recognised the determination and courage and awarded them a scholarship which supported their Advanced Level and University education.