Stamping tribute to world’s teamaker

Thursday, 29 May 2025 05:49 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Two commemorative stamps were issued to honour Dilmah Tea Founder Merrill J. Fernando, a pioneer who changed the global tea industry. The first day covers were issued on the birth anniversary of the late Fernando, and on what would have been his 95th birthday.

The stamps were unveiled under the aegis of Sri Lanka Post officials at a special evening in Colombo, which brought together not only the second and third generations of the founding Fernando family, but also members of the Dilmah Global Family, who had gathered in Sri Lanka for the 11th international Dilmah partner conference.

One stamp pays homage to Fernando himself — the first native tea grower to offer his own brand of tea directly to the world. The other honours his life’s work: a legacy of kindness, ethical purpose, and devotion to people and planet. Together, they are a celebration of 40 years of Dilmah as the company was established in 1985.

The stamps themselves are works of art — designed by Pulasthi Ediriweera, a celebrated Sri Lankan artist, songwriter, teacher, and designer, and a recipient of national honours such as the Kalapathi and Kalabhushana awards.

Fernando once said: “In 1950, I devoted my life to tea. I saw so much inequality around the world that even as a young teamaker with nothing more than a big dream, I decided that my Dilmah Tea would serve humanity.” That promise continues to live on in every cup of Dilmah Tea through the humanitarian projects of the MJF Charitable Foundation and the environmental initiatives under Dilmah Conservation.

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