Merrill J. Fernando

Merrill Joseph Fernando (born 6 May 1930) is the founder and former CEO of the global tea company Dilmah. In 2019, Fernando stood down as CEO of Dilmah as his son, Dilhan, was appointed the new head of the company.

Deshamanya

Dr Merrill J. Fernando

Sc.D
මෙරිල් ප්‍රනාන්දු
Born
Merrill Joseph Fernando

(1930-05-06) 6 May 1930
Pallansena, Negombo, British Ceylon
NationalitySri Lankan
EducationMaris Stella College,
St Joseph's College, Colombo
Alma materMassey University (Sc.D)[1]
Years active1988–present
Known forFounder of Dilmah
Children2, including Dilhan
Parent(s)P Harry Fernando, Lucy Fernando
Awards
 

Early life

Fernando was born in Pallansena, Negombo, British Ceylon in 1930. Fernando attended Maris Stella College in Negombo and Saint Joseph's College, Colombo in his youth. His first job was as a inspector for a U.S. petroleum company.[2]

Career

Fernando was one of the first Sri Lankan tea tasters to be selected to learn about tea in Mincing Lane, London. Up until this time, the prevailing colonial system did not believe Sri Lankans were capable of assessing tea as they felt they ate too much curry which would affect their assessment of the taste. However, Fernando was one of five who were selected and trained in London.[3]

Further reading
  • The Cup of Kindness. Dilmah Publication. 2012.
  • The Story Behind Your Cup of Tea. MJF Charitable Foundation. 2013.
  • The Teamaker (2009). Dilmah Publication.[4]

References
  1. "Honorary doctorate for Dilmah Tea founder". Massey University. 29 November 2019. Retrieved 23 December 2019.
  2. Ind, Nicholas; Horlings, Sandra (3 March 2016). Brands with a Conscience: How to Build a Successful and Responsible Brand. Kogan Page Publishing. p. 17, 18, 19. ISBN 978-07494-7544-4.
  3. "Asianenterprise.biz".
  4. "Dilmah - the Teamaker".
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