Dilmah Tea unveils Genesis Tea and Cinnamon Experience – first of its kind in Colombo

MJF Holdings Co-Chair Dilhan C. Fernando

MJF Holdings Co-Chair Malik J. Fernando

Australian Chef Peter Kuruvita

By Uma Chandrasiri

Dilmah Tea recently launched the Genesis Tea and Cinnamon Experience, aimed at creating awareness and enriching the Sri Lankan sojourns of discerning travellers, at Genesis Colombo, the birthplace of their world-renowned brand of authentic Ceylon tea, which invoked a special significance to the event. Following years of research and deliberation, Dilmah is proud to introduce this unique experience to Sri Lankans and tourists alike, intending to impart their truth that Sri Lanka is the proud possessor of the world’s best tea and cinnamon.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dilhan Fernando stated that through the novel Tea and Cinnamon Experience, Dilmah aims to help visitors understand that Sri Lanka produces the best tea in the world, and further garner an appreciation of the fact that the pure cinnamon found in Sri Lanka is unique whilst 90% of cinnamon found elsewhere is adulterated. 

“My father, Merrill J. Fernando, who started manufacturing Dilmah tea 40 years ago, was the first tea grower in any tea-growing country to offer a perfect pack of tea to the world market. In 2001, we started growing cinnamon through our involvement with numerous plantations. However, it is regrettable that this incredible herb, revered since 1000 BC as a spice more valuable than gold, still has not experienced its moment in our nation due to a lack of understanding and knowledge. It is also unfortunate that the Sri Lankan cinnamon industry faces price competition from a vastly inferior product which is considered by chefs the world over as cinnamon, yet is not. Ceylon cinnamon prevents the initiation and development of cancer in the human body, and along with tea, is preventative towards cholesterol, stroke, and stress. There’s nothing greater for today’s consumer, yet it is lamentable that the industry is price-driven. Cheap is easy and is the last refuge of the unimaginative,” he added.

According to Fernando, Dilmah’s Genesis is two-dimensional—one being the Tea and Cinnamon Experience and the other as a centre for a sustainable future where they host Sri Lankan artists, organise awareness sessions to empower entrepreneurs, and hold discussions on conservation amongst a multitude of aspects aimed at social and environmental preservation.

“The dimension of Genesis which is the Tea and Cinnamon experience is devoted to ensuring that Sri Lankans understand the value of what we have—that our tea and our cinnamon are priceless in terms of natural wellness, flavour exploration, and authenticity, interestingly the three most important trends as acknowledged by today’s Gen Z.”

Resplendent Ceylon Chairman Malik Fernando reiterated that Sri Lanka offsets other Indian Ocean islands, such as the Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles, with its multi-dimensional diversity, not merely in terms of the island’s divergent and vibrant segments, but also in terms of its distinct cuisine, tea, spices, and wildlife. 

“Today’s discerning traveller seeks authentic, genuine experiences, and in the spirit of innovation, we launched Ceylon Tea Trails in 2005, the first-ever opening of doors for such travellers to stay at a luxurious property amidst the verdant tea fields of Sri Lanka. Today, in unveiling our Tea and Cinnamon Experience here in Colombo, we see an enormous opportunity to build attractions and experiences in Colombo, a city with a dearth of such activities. Experiences such as these will connect travellers with our rich history and culture.”

Award-winning Australian chef and restaurateur Peter Kuruwita, who is currently in Sri Lanka to head the panel of judges on Masterchef Sri Lanka, said: “When I’m at a restaurant, I make it a point to visit the storeroom to check on the cinnamon used and 99.9% of the time, it is the substitute cassia and not real cinnamon. My view is that Sri Lanka should bring in appellation control for cinnamon and educate the public regarding the two types of cinnamon available. However, it is heartening to witness a more health-conscious present generation.”

Tea and Cinnamon Experience Curator Anura Gunasekara added that this invaluable movement aims to create ambassadors of Sri Lankans who will understand and appreciate the value of Ceylon tea and cinnamon and then take that understanding to the world. “Both tea and cinnamon are ancient and go back to over 3,000 years. There is mention of cinnamon in the bible, Greek and Roman literature and mythology, and even in ancient poetry.”

Dilmah’s unique Tea and Cinnamon Experience is seen as a celebration of tradition, innovation, craftsmanship, and sustainability, touted to bring in a much-needed appreciation of our ancient and invaluable spice, cinnamon, and the age-old perfection of Ceylon tea. The colourful exhibits tell the stories of how cinnamon and tea were brought to Sri Lanka, the cultivation of both, their adaptation, and the myriad uses and attributes of the curative spice and drink. 

The wonderfully informative evening to launch the experience, an eye-opener on many counts, drew to a close with tea tasting and food pairing, along with tea-infused cocktails.