Dilmah founder Merrill J. Fernando awarded honorary doctorate by Kiwi University

Merrill J. Fernando with sons Dilhan, Malik and Dilmah Partner in New Zealand John Burton

Dilmah Tea Founder Merrill J. Fernando has been capped as a Doctor of Science by Massey University in New Zealand.

He was nominated for the honorary doctorate by the College of Sciences Vice Chancellor Professor Ray Geor, together with Massey University’s renowned Riddet Institute’s Director Professor Paul Moughan.

Merrill J. Fernando has had a long association with both the university and its institute, supporting doctorate research and as a keynote speaker at the 2018 Australasian Business Ethics Network conference held at Massey University last year.

Massey University Vice Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas says the honorary doctorate recognises Merrill J. Fernando’s great contribution to the food industry globally, as well as his strong connection with Massey through research collaborations, including work into the antioxidant and health properties of tea.  

“This honorary doctorate, only the fourth to be bestowed upon an international recipient, celebrates his prowess in business and science, but also his commitment to ethical food production and his philanthropic activities that has seen Dilmah known for its commitment to people,” Prof. Thomas says. “We are proud to welcome Mr. Fernando amongst our ranks, and welcome further collaboration in future.” 

As well as exporting Ceylon tea to New Zealand for more than 28 years, Dilmah has organised food and beverage matching competitions and hosted top New Zealand chefs and hospitality staff to Sri Lanka to learn the science and art behind producing the many styles of Dilmah single origin tea. 

The entire range of 2267 products produced by Dilmah is now 100% carbon-neutral. Dilmah is also heavily involved in conservation in Sri Lanka and the founder’s MJF Charitable Foundation, funded by Dilmah profits, works across the country, currently serving 10,000 people each week.

Fernando’s sons Dilhan and Malik, after whom Dilmah is named, and his Dilmah New Zealand business partner John Burton were on hand to help him celebrate the honour.  

Dilhan, who is now the Chief Executive of Dilmah Tea, says the doctorate is a fitting tribute to their father on the eve of his 90th year. 

“For my brother and I, it is deeply fulfilling that our father is being honoured for the incredibly positive outcomes of his philosophy of making business a matter of human service. New Zealand is a country that is so very close to his heart and it is especially significant that Massey University is felicitating him in this way,” Dilhan says. 

“Taste, Goodness and Purpose are the three elements that are at the heart of Dilmah.  Our business is founded on a sincere commitment to humanitarian and environmental purpose and it is our earnest wish that all business leaders will understand that this is an irrevocable commitment. We continue to work towards reducing inequality and mitigating the worst effects of global warming.”

Previously, Merrill J. Fernando has been honoured with the Oslo Business for Peace Award, as determined by a panel of Nobel Laureates, recognised as Sri Lankan of the Year and received the FIRST Award for responsible capitalism in improving lives of underprivileged children and deprived communities.