The founder of popular tea brand Dilmah has died.
Merrill J. Fernando, 93, died in Colombo, Sri Lanka on Thursday morning surrounded by “his sons and grandchildren”, according to a statement on a memorial website.
“The visionary founder of Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company’s greatness was in his invincible faith, his integrity and love for tea and family,” it said.
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“With devotion and urgency, he pursued his desire for integrity and quality with humility and kindness.
“His achievement in disrupting an exploitative colonial industry irrevocably changed the lives of producers around the world, introducing a paradigm shift in ethical business before ethics and sustainable business acquired the prominence they have now.”
Fernando’s sons Dilhan and Malik and his five grandchildren are also involved in the business.
Dilhan said his father was an “icon” and was adamant “his love for Ceylon tea must benefit less fortunate people”.
“He built a great brand for Sri Lanka with unimaginable kindness,” he wrote on social media.
“We are truly humbled by the precious sentiments so many have shared about my father.”
With a mission to fight again the commoditisation of tea, Fernando launched Dilmah in 1988.
Locally sourced in Sri Lanka, Dilmah tea is now available in more than 100 countries.
It became the first ethically produced tea, with 10 per cent of the revenue from the sale of Dilmah going towards the work of the MJF Charitable Foundation and Dilmah Conservation.
ernando often appeared in Dilmah’s ads, and coined the now iconic slogan “Do try it”.
Many fans paid tribute to the tea-maker on social media.
“A wonderful life lived in serving Sri Lanka to reach great heights. Truly an inspiration to us all. May you rest in peace,” one person wrote.
“A true legend of the industry and a great ambassador to Ceylon tea. May his soul rest in peace,” another said.
A private ceremony for Fernando will be held on Saturday in Negombo.
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