Dilhan C. Fernando is the Chairman of Dilmah Tea and the younger son of founder Merrill J. Fernando. The “Dil” and “Mah” in the brand name come from Dilhan and his brother Malik, marking Dilmah as the world’s first producer-owned tea brand. Following in his father’s footsteps, Dilhan is committed to preserving the integrity and quality of tea while ensuring that the success of the business benefits communities and the environment.
He is Director of the Dilmah School of Tea, the first international school of tea, offering sessions in Colombo and in partnership with the Institute Paul Bocuse in France. Dilhan also drives innovation through the t-Series of designer gourmet teas and an entirely contemporary approach to this traditional beverage.
Beyond tea, Dilhan leads the company’s humanitarian and environmental initiatives through the MJF Charitable Foundation and Dilmah Conservation, supporting education, habitat restoration, sustainability projects, and social development programs across Sri Lanka. He chairs the United Nations Global Compact in Sri Lanka and serves as Chairman of the Biodiversity Sri Lanka Platform, while also holding the role of Adjunct Professor of Practice in Sustainability at Edith Cowan University, which awarded him an Honorary Doctor of Business in recognition of his leadership in ethical business and sustainability.