In memory of Merrill J. Fernando
View(s):
Surrounded by his sons and grandchildren, iconic Teamaker, Disrupter and Servant Merrill J. Fernando passed away in Colombo on Thursday. The greatness of the visionary Founder of Dilmah, was in his invincible faith, his integrity and love for tea and humanity. 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 sustainability acquired the prominence they have now. He was a humanist at large and a humble personality who didn’t allow fame to get in the way of his noble convictions and often reaching out to the underprivileged and the underserved communities. Probably the best known Sri Lankan across the globe, many tea consumers across the world recognised him by his face and personal message on Dilmah tea packs in more than 100 countries.Merrill J. Fernando was a disrupter whose mission was simply for his passion to make lives better for other people. His humble, rural Sri Lankan beginnings, and Christian family values that surrounded him defined his life. He devoted his life to tea, working every day until the age of 91 – and maintaining vigilance until he passed at the age of 93, whilst continuing to spread the message of Pure Ceylon Tea. He was also relentless in fighting against efforts of compromise, or adulteration of his beloved Ceylon Tea. The reasons for his uncompromising defence for quality were rooted in his belief for integrity, and value addition as the only means of benefiting workers and the future of Ceylon Tea.
The man who was once known as ‘the Dedicated Founder’ leaves two generations who share his conviction, as he is called home to rest in the arms of his beloved Lord Jesus. His achievement is as much in inspiring his generations to carry the torch of integrity and commitment to tea as it is in strengthening the dreams of producers. His passion, devotion, commitment, love, and kindness will forever inspire us to continue to strive for the excellence he always demanded while never compromising on positively impacting the lives of less fortunate people.
“We remember our father for his humanity and his achievement in personally and passionately creating a global family behind the cause he pursued every day of his life for 73 years; Ceylon Tea with Taste, Goodness and ethical Purpose. Please join us in celebrating the life of Merrill J. Fernando and the profound impact he has had on our world,” his sons Malik and Dilhan said.
He was buried yesterday at a private ceremony at Our Lady of Sorrows Church – Pallansena, Negombo
Hitad.lk has you covered with quality used or brand new cars for sale that are budget friendly yet reliable! Now is the time to sell your old ride for something more attractive to today's modern automotive market demands. Browse through our selection of affordable options now on Hitad.lk before deciding on what will work best for you!