Dilmah Sustainability - SustainabilityTracker.com

One Earth Climate Change Research Centre, Nawalapitiya

The One Earth Climate Change Research Center – Nawalapitiya is the first-ever Climate Change Research Station by the private sector in Sri Lanka, established at Dilmah Tea’s Queensbury Estate in Nawalapitiya. • Recent collaboration with renowned experts across the South Asian region, South Asia Nitrogen Hub (SANH) in a groundbreaking international research study to find a solution for the global nitrogen waste crisis. • Since opening in 2017 the center has facilitated 3 global, and 17 local research and 3 international workshops. • The centre is also the main research hub for the Bee A Keeper project. • Introduction of camera traps to monitor the biodiversity of fauna. Highlights for FY 24/25 - - 5 workshops with local universities - 250 beneficiaries - 4 school workshops - 200 beneficiaries - 4 other workshops - 155 beneficiaries - 13 ongoing research studies with local stakeholders Focus areas of research - Climate studies, bee and honey production, and ecology

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Endane Biodiversity Corridor

In 2018, Merrill J. Fernando, the founder of Dilmah, took a groundbreaking step by initiating a rainforest corridor project. This endeavor was initiated with the symbolic removal of tea plants in a land strip at the Dilmah's Endane Tea Estate, which had segregated two rainforest patches for over a century due to continuous tea monoculture. The Endane Biodiversity Corridor establishes a 3km long biodiversity corridor, connecting two fragmented forest patches adjacent to the Sinharaja Rainforest. • 40 ha of degraded tea lands converted to tropical lowland rainforests. • 545 tree species georeferenced for in-situ conservation. • 13,804 seedlings from 173 species, 85 are globally threatened. • 7000+ seedlings planted in Endane Biodiversity Corridor for ex-situ conservation. • 100+ globally threatened tree species planted in Endane Biodiversity Corridor and Seethawaka Botanical Garden. • 01 rain forest tree species extinct in the Wild (EW) (Shorea ovalifolia) was rediscovered and georeferenced outside the protected area network and propagated for ex-situ conservation. • 6180 seedlings planted in Endane Biodiversity Corridor (In-situ) and 1120 distributed to 05 ex-situ restoration sites with the supervision of Endane Biodiversity Corridor. • 5 ha of long-term restoration monitoring plots established across Endane Biodiversity Corridor • New species such as Gastrodia Pushparaga discovered during research activities. Highlights during FY 24/25 - - Rediscovering Memecylon elegantulum plant species.

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Agroforestry

Launched an agroforestry model in Rilhena in collaboration with Kahawatte Plantations, Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and Agriculture Innovation Nucleus, complementing existing green restoration projects similar to the Endane Biodiversity Corridor. 1000 hectares of abandoned land have been identified within Kahawatte Plantations as being suitable for agroforestry. Commercial crops such as Garcinia, Pepper, Durian and Rambutan are among the species being planted. Dilmah’s green restoration endeavours are aligned with Sri Lanka’s commitment to Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) of increasing green cover by 32% by 2030.

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Organic Farming

The Dilmah Conservation One Earth Centres located in Moratuwa, Endana, Nawalapitiya, Kalkudah and Paasikudah, house organic farms as educational sites. These organic farms contain plots with vegetables, fruits, herbs, etc. that are relevant to and suitable for the region, to cater to the needs of the surrounding communities. Highlights in FY 24/25 - 1. Practical sessions held on organic farming for the Department of Urban Bio resources, University of Sri Jayewardenepura for 02 Batches, including 36 and 44 undergraduates, covering 70 practical hours at our One Earth Centre, Moratuwa. 2. Collaboration with Empower Culinary and Hospitality School of MJF Charitable Foundation, the Agriculture Innovation Nucleus of Dilmah offers a comprehensive curriculum on key principles of organic and urban gardening covering crop systems, greenhouse and soilless farming and techniques such as hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics. Students also gain hands-on experience with organic fertiliser production and explore various crops, spices, herbs, and edible flowers. Conducted 49 sessions for 02 batches with 16 students from each batch covering a total of 448 practical hours.

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Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL)

Dilmah, together with IUCN and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, formed Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL) in 2012 to build a coalition for environmental conservation among the corporate sectors. Life to Our Mangroves - Collaboration to restore up to 25 acres of degraded mangrove forest patches in the Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary. Life to Our Forests - Restoration of a degraded fern land in the Kanneliya Forest Reserve in collaboration with the Forest Department and IUCN. This project has been awarded Preferred by Nature’s prestigious “Ecosystem Restoration Standard” certificate - a globally recognised Standard that meticulously assesses ecosystem restoration performance at the field level across diverse biomes . Life to Our Corals - Conserving the Kayankerni Coral Reef in partnership with Biodiversity Sri Lanka. Other collaborations with BSL - The traditional two-month Pada Yathra pilgrimage from Jaffna to Kataragama generates significant waste, including clothes, plastics, and aluminum, which harms forests, wildlife, and waterways. In 2022 and 2023, large amounts of waste were collected along the route. To reduce pollution, Dilmah and other private organizations organisations donated eco-friendly bags to pilgrims to minimize minimise plastic and polythene waste during the pilgrimage. Highlights in FY 24/25 - Bio credit Accrual System - Dilmah Conservation together with BSL is working together to establish and work with a technical committee for the development of a bio-credit Accrual System tailored to Sri Lanka's unique requirements.

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Wetland Conservation

Wetland Conservation efforts include a public-private partnership with the Sri Lanka Urban Development Authority (UDA) aimed at enhancing conservation efforts for the Beddagana Wetland Park, a crucial ecosystem. Programme objectives are to raise awareness about the significance of wetlands, and foster visitor engagement through regular park maintenance and expert-led educational programs. Highlights in FY 24/25 - 1. 36 environmental workshops were held. 2. 1421 participants from schools, corporate visitors, NGOs, universities, surrounding communities and general public. 3. Nature Club established to educate and involve community children from the communities near the park in conservation activities. 4. Wetland Link International Asia-Oceania Conference - Dilmah partnered with the WLI Asia-Oceania Conference, held for the first time in Sri Lanka, and hosted a field visit to Beddagana Wetland Park for over 65 regional participants. The event highlighted urban biodiversity and promoted knowledge sharing on wetland conservation and education. 5. Dusk to Dawn: Dilmah’s “Dusk to Dawn” event, held on February 1st and 2nd at Beddagana Wetlands, was the first-ever night wetland excursion in Sri Lanka. Celebrating World Wetlands Day, it offered free public activities like night walks, expert sessions, and a scavenger hunt to raise awareness about wetland biodiversity and conservation.

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Greening Batticaloa 2.0

Greening Batticaloa, is an initiative to plant 1 million cashew trees mitigating the harmful impacts of deforestation and climate change, while economically empowering local communities in Batticaloa, Eastern Sri Lanka. In the phase 2 of this initiative, together with the USAID Climate Adaptation Project and Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation, we are embarking on a sustainable cashew cultivation project to help farmers gain economic stability and climate resilience by growing and harvesting cashew sustainably by supporting them through training and resources to adopt climate resilient soil conservation and water conservation strategies. Highlights for FY 24/25 - 1. In 2024, the pilot project for "Greening Batticaloa Phase 2" was successfully completed, with 1,400 cashew plants and intercrops distributed among 20 farmers. 2. A training on Climate adaptation was conducted with the technical assistance of USAID for 20 farmers. 3. Further necessary technical advice was also provided by NRMC (Natural Resources Management Centre)in the areas of land preparation and relevant climate adaptation practices and climate-resilient cultivation practices, tailored to specific soil types, topography, and intercropping needs. Following NRMC's recommendations, farmers have now completed land preparation and planted cashew plants along with intercrops identified as suitable for their lands.

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Mangrove Conservation

At Dilmah we are restoring a 25- acre mangrove forest in Kappal Adi Kite Lagoon in Kalpitiya. Dilmah has invested in an extensive mangrove plant nursery nurturing over saplings across 7 species. The use of science-based planting techniques have ensured an above average success rate in all planting activities that have been completed since its inception in October 2022. A baseline survey has recorded 62 native plant species including mangrove species and 144 species of wildlife including many birds, butterflies, and reptile species.

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Bee A Keeper

Dilmah Conservation launched ‘Bee a Keeper’ in May 2020, to promote the sustainable use of bees in agriculture and related ecosystems. Its main goals are: • Bee Awareness • Bee Research • Beekeeping • Buzzing Livelihood At One Earth Centre Moratuwa, conducted, • A public workshop on beekeeping with field experience for 22 participants • A training for Internal staff on advanced beekeeping • 2 additional workshops on beekeeping At the Field Station, Endane, • 10 successful beekeepers • 3 are undergoing the training process • A workshop for village beekeepers. • 2 litres of bee honey extracted In Climate Change Research Center, Nawalapitiya • 16 successful beekeepers • 12 are undergoing the training process • 1 workshop with 15 participants. • 3 litres of bee honey extracted for research purposes. • 2 day residential workshop for Resplendent Ceylon staff. In One Earth Center, Kalkudah • Community workshop on beekeeping with 45 participants around the center. • A workshop for the Veddah community to raise awareness on unsustainable bee honey extraction from the forest (traditional practice) and help transition into sustainable beekeeping using bee boxes in Mallichchagani and Akaranai villages with 92 participants. Highlights in FY 24/25 - - 92 bee colonies established and maintained across four regional hubs, enhancing pollinator biodiversity. - 25+ Successful community beekeepers - 259 schoolchildren engaged in experiential learning through training sessions and school-based bee gardens. - 160 individuals trained in bee ecology, beekeeping, and sustainability, including plantation and hospitality sector staff.

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Butterfly Garden at One Earth Centre, Moratuwa

Dilmah Conservation’s urban open-air Butterfly Garden is the first of its kind in Sri Lanka. Since its construction in October 2011, it has provided a safe haven for a growing list of butterfly species. Through the butterfly garden, Dilmah Conservation also conducts numerous education and awareness programmes. Highlights in FY 24/25 - 1. According to the baseline survey, only 5 butterfly species were recorded but as per now, 35 butterfly species are recorded, where 02 are endemic species. 2. Number of tree species has been grown to 60, where only 10 species were recorded in the baseline survey.

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Supporting Elephant Conservation

Dilmah Conservation supports elephant conservation by supporting the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe, sponsoring the care of a baby elephant, and spreading awareness on elephants and their importance. To date, we have sponsored the care of 4 baby elephants: Amaya, Ted, Baby Dilmah and Dilly. Also, through awareness raising sessions, to-date 190 individuals have been educated about elephant conservation. Highlights in FY 24/25 - 1. "Conflict to Harmony" platform– Fresh Perspectives on the Human-Elephant Conflict Dilmah Conservation together with Genesis facilitated a vital platform, “Conflict to Harmony” for students from the University of Moratuwa’s Department of Town and Country Planning (TCP) to present research on mitigating human-elephant conflict from the lens of landscape management. The event brought together key stakeholders from wildlife conservation, agriculture, and urban planning, highlighting innovative, landscape-based proposals aimed at promoting coexistence. The session focused on critical themes including: • Addressing Human-Elephant Conflict – Recognizing Recognising the dual impact on communities and wildlife. • Knowledge-Sharing and Collaboration – Engaging experts, academics, and policymakers to develop strategic solutions. • Landscape Management Solutions – Promoting protected areas and ecological corridors. • Education and Awareness – Enhancing public understanding through initiatives like information centers. • Community Engagement – Involving local communities to ensure sustainable, inclusive solutions. • Collaboration and Policy Influence – Working with bodies such as the Department of Wildlife Conservation and UDA to drive policy change. • Promoting Sustainable Coexistence – Aiming to foster environments where both humans and elephants can thrive. 2. The Last Two Giants in Sinharaja Forest On World Elephant Day (August 12th), Dilmah Tea, in partnership with the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Forest Department of Sri Lanka, pledged to video document the lives of these two elephants who also happen to be brothers: known among villagers as Loku Aliya and Panu Kota. Through this conservation documentary, we aim to raise awareness, both locally and globally, about the pressing reality of these issues. This initiative aims not only to record their existence but also to gather vital insights that may help protect other Sri Lankan elephants still thriving across the island. Although the prospect of their extinction is heartbreaking, this effort represents hope for the future of elephant conservation in Sri Lanka.

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Elephant Knowledge Walk, Udawalawe

Elephant Knowledge Walk, an information centre, relaunched in March 2024 in collaboration with the Department of Wildlife Conservation offers visitors a more visually immersive and comprehensive learning experience. Visitors can explore various aspects of elephant life, including their evolution, anatomy, ecology, and cultural significance, through a combination of statistics, images, and infographics. A dedicated section addresses the critical issue of human-elephant conflict (HEC), aiming to shift public perceptions and foster conservation efforts. Additionally, the centre now features an anatomy laboratory for close-up examination of specimens and a children's activity area, designed to provide age-appropriate educational activities and engagement opportunities. Highlights in FY 24/25 - - Five impactful workshops were conducted for different groups at the Elephant Knowledge Walk – Udawalawe • Faculty of Architecture students – General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) • MJFCF Kids Programme students • Udawalawe National School students • University of Moratuwa – 3rd-year students in Town and Country Planning Department students (3rd year) • University of Kelaniya – Faculty of Science students (Environmental Conservation and Management)

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Afforest Underwater

Part of the ongoing “Afforest Underwater '' initiative, Dilmah Conservation initiated a pilot project in collaboration with the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA) to educate fishermen in Mannar, Northern Province of Sri Lanka on practising sustainable seaweed farming with a view to addressing challenges such as overfishing and fish migration due to warmer waters. As an extension of the project, Dilmah also supported the Bocuse d'Or Sri Lanka 2023, a culinary competition where 28 teams from hotels and resorts across Sri Lanka competed for the coveted Gold award, with the goal of representing Sri Lanka in the Regional competitions. Sustainably harvested seaweed through the aforementioned pilot project was used as an ingredient throughout the competition.

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Marine Conservation

Dilmah sponsored the World Oceans Day exhibition at One Galle Face mall on 10th and 11th June 2023 - an event organised to highlight some of the critical challenges facing the marine environment due to anthropological effects. The workshops were accompanied with 2 beach clean-up programmes in Kalkudah. Highlights in FY24/25 - 1. Coral Conservation project - the initiative aims to study coral diversity in an urban setting through baseline surveys, mapping, data collection, and impact assessments using innovative technologies. 2. Beach Clean-up programme - With 103 participants in Kalkudah and waste were directed to Chenkalady Recycling Unit.

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One Earth Centre, Moratuwa

The “One Earth Centre” in Moratuwa offers a range of educational resources dedicated to sustainable agriculture and conservation. The centre is also home to Dilmah Conservation’s One Earth Urban Arboretum, Butterfly Garden, Heritage Corner, Medicinal Plant Garden, Traditional Yam Plot, Recycling Unit, Sustainable Agricultural Farm and Hydroponic Unit. The Centre promotes sustainability through waste collection, segregation and recycling ,recycling, rainwater harvesting for gardening (90 m³ capacity), and a 15 m³ biogas system that converts kitchen waste into daily cooking fuel. Further the Centre promotes sustainable farming through hydroponics using organic inputs like vermiwash and neem oil, and open-field cultivation with natural fertilizers such as compost, cow dung, and vermicompost—enhancing soil health, reducing chemical use, and improving water efficiency for environmentally-friendly crop production. Highlights in FY 24/25 - 1. Urban Arboretum - 283 trees from 100+ species including 9 threatened and 15 endemic species. 2. Butterfly Garden - 60 species of butterflies including 2 endemic species. 3. Medicinal Garden - 95+ species of medicinal plants 4. Traditional Yam plot - 10 yam varieties 5. Heritage Centre - 100+ traditional Sri Lankan exhibits 6. Collaborations with MJF Charitable Foundation - 6.1. Home Gardening and environmental sessions for MJF Kids - Students from Grades 1 to 11 were given the opportunity to engage in a variety of hands-on, educational activities focused on sustainable gardening. Through interactive and age-appropriate sessions, the programme introduced young learners to the basics of home gardening, including fertiliser handling, nursery preparation, and plant identification and practical sessions in pruning and harvesting. These sessions covered 37 hours with 376 participants. 6.2. Dilmah Conservation and Rainbow Project - A special programme designed to empower differently-abled students by engaging them in meaningful, hands-on gardening activities. With gentle guidance and accessible methods, students learned about planting, caring for crops, and understanding the basics of home gardening. The initiative not only encouraged sensory development and motor skills but also fostered a sense of independence, responsibility, and joy in nurturing living things. As part of the programme, tailored home gardening sessions were also conducted for visually impaired children, focusing on teaching them how to identify various leafy vegetables through touch and scent. 12 students from the Rainbow project attended this special initiative. 6.3. Agriculture course for Women's Development Programme - An Agriculture course to empower women with practical and income-generating skills. Participants received hands-on training in home gardening, waste management, nursery management, plant propagation techniques, disease identification and management, as well as ornamental flower cultivation. This comprehensive training aims to equip women with the knowledge and tools needed to not only support their households but also explore opportunities for sustainable income through agricultural practices. 2 batches with 43 participants attended this covering 34 hours.

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One Earth Centre, Kalkudah

The One Earth Centre in Kalkudah extends Dilmah Conservation's initiatives into Eastern Sri Lanka. This centre is aligned with Dilmah Conservation’s regional objectives of enhancing livelihood opportunities and building climate resilience among communities through the introduction of innovative, sustainable and climate smart practices in agriculture and animal husbandry along with comprehensive livelihood support and ecosystem restoration efforts. Similar to the Moratuwa facility, the Kalkudah complex also contains a One Earth Urban Arboretum as well as an organic fruit and vegetable model farm and a model coconut farm. Highlights in FY 24/25 - 1. Bee Keeping session for Veddah Community - In 2024 a special workshop was conducted for the Veddah community to raise awareness about the negative impacts of traditional honey extraction practices from the forest. The session focused on guiding them toward sustainable beekeeping methods using bee boxes, aiming to preserve the environment while providing alternative livelihoods. Building on these efforts in 2025, six members of the Veddah community were provided with bee boxes and essential beekeeping tools to commence practicing sustainable beekeeping, marking a successful step toward environmentally-friendly and economically beneficial livelihood practices

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One Earth Field Station, Endane

This Centre promotes nature-based agriculture, where tea plants are uprooted to facilitate restoration of a depleted ecosystem. Apart from this direct activity, the centre has adopted a multi-stakeholder approach to further strengthen restoration efforts. The centre also provides opportunities for local community members to gain a deeper understating of sustainability principles by getting involved in various activities such as nursery management, organic farming, and beekeeping.

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Genesis - A centre for Sustainability

Dilmah launched Genesis, the Dilmah Centre for a Sustainable Future, located at 52 Maligawatte Road. This facility represents the evolution of the premises where Dilmah was first tasted, selected, packed, and exported. Genesis is equipped with the necessary amenities to help agri or nature-based entrepreneurs and agritech startups build their businesses from the ground up. As a collaborative platform, Genesis facilitates knowledge sharing, discussion, inspiration, and communication. The Centre aims to grow awareness of the importance of nature, its value, and ecosystem services. This is achieved by harnessing the knowledge and commitment of academia and scientists, alongside the ability and network of businesses and policymakers. Moreover, Genesis directly nurtures sustainable agricultural entrepreneurship, promoting better social, economic, and gender equality. 25 individuals have been benefitted thus far, through all projects done under Genesis. Highlights in FY 24/25 - 1. Biodiversity conservation and Restoration- The Value and Business case for Sustainability - Highlighted the success of the Endane Biodiversity Corridor (EBC) as a model for integrating biodiversity conservation with business sustainability. The session explored green restoration through the lens of corporate responsibility and featured a demonstration exhibit of over 60 globally threatened and endemic plant species cultivated at the EBC plant nursery. 2. Lichens as Air Quality Sensors Dilmah, in collaboration with the University of Peradeniya, has partnered with the South Asian Nitrogen Hub (SANH) and the Natural History Museum London on a pioneering study exploring the effects of ammonia on tropical forest ecosystems. The event featured the presentation of key research findings and a display of photographs of the lichen specimens explored during the research. Over 100 participants, including members of the public, corporate representatives, researchers, and scientists, attended this public event. 3. Creating Green Spaces in Urban Environment - With successful experience in establishing mini forests and butterfly gardens in Moratuwa, Dilmah partnered with Resplendent Ceylon, its sister company, to raise awareness about creating green spaces in urban areas. This public lecture and initiative are directly aligned with the principles of Social Sustainability, Institutional Innovation, and Knowledge Transfer.

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Lost Ingredients Lab

Kick-off project at Genesis was a platform to integrate value chains of Sri Lankan organic and regenerative agriculture and food sectors through innovation and collaboration for meaningful growth. The Lost Ingredients Lab was a two-pronged programme that helped innovate value-additions for three high-potential yet underutilized local ingredients, namely, Jackfruit, Seaweed, and Gotukola, making them suitable for the global market. Collaborated with GIZ, European Union and Good Life X.

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The Scale - Up Shop

The Scale-Up Shop aimedto spark innovation in the Sri Lankan manufacturing and export sector by connecting local innovators with manufacturers seeking to expand their product portfolios and enter international markets. It was carried out as part of the 'Support to Small and Medium Enterprises in the Organic Agriculture Sector' Programme jointly co-financed by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ) in collaboration with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Dilmah Tea, Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), National Innovation Agency (NIA) and Sri Lanka Inventors Commission (SLIC).

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SustainAble Climate Action Challenge

An island-wide competition collaborating with European Union aimed to encourage responsible behavior and promote sustainable consumption patterns of plastic, focusing on reducing plastic at the source, upcycling plastic, and recycling.

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Dilmah Publications

Dilmah Conservation’s focus towards education and awareness, has resulted in 16 extensively researched publications - broadly classified into field guides on Sri Lanka’s flora and fauna, and books on culture and heritage, Ayurveda, and organic home gardening. Highlights in FY 24/25 - 1. Shyamala and the Sloth Bears" book - A children's book, that focuses on raising awareness about the endangered Sri Lankan sloth bear and the importance of conservation. It's written by Prof. Jody Miller and inspired by the work of Dr. Shyamala Ratnayeke, a renowned sloth bear researcher. The book aims to educate young readers about sloth bears' ecological roles and the need to protect them, by featuring Dr. Ratnayeke's conservation journey. It's available in Sinhala and Tamil, making it accessible to a wider audience, especially in rural areas.

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Solar Energy

Investments in solar over the years has allowed Dilmah to lay claim to a combined generation capacity of 1,400.75 kWp. This includes the 04 (four) solar power plants with a collective generation capacity of 415.5 kWp. Highlights in FY 24/25 - 1) 250,350 kWh of Solar energy generation within the facility – equivalent to planting 2,929 Trees 2) Solar Energy generation within Dilmah facility - 901.26 GJ 3) Solar Energy generation within the group -3849 GJ 4) Combined Solar energy capacity - 2271 kW

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Hydro power Energy

Dilmah has also made significant investments in hydropower, starting with the two hydroelectric plants at the Queensberry and Craighead estates, both which commenced power generation in 2018. Today, the Company operates a total of four hydropower plants: Queensberry (50 kW), Craighead (70 kW), Kataboola (70 kW), and Wellandura (70 kW), with a combined capacity of 260 kW. In the financial year 23/24, these plants collectively generated 389 MWh of hydropower. Highlights in FY 24/25 - 1) Hydro power capacity across the group - 358 kW 2) Hydro power generated across the group - 1450 GJ

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Womens' Development Programme

The Women’s Development Program (WDP) was established to empower women and young girls facing socio-economic challenges with skills development and entrepreneurship training. WDP is active across Sri Lanka at the Moratuwa, Kalkudah and Weligama Centers empowering 1400+ women with vocational skills to pursue their goals. Additionally, it partners with support groups to provide awareness on personal and social issues, including hygiene, gender-based violence, and financial literacy. The initiative also includes the Good Heart Cafe which provides nutritious food that creates further livelihood opportunities. Highlights in FY 24/25 - 1) 633 women in Sri Lanka’s Western, Eastern and Southern coasts empowered with life skills and entrepreneurship support through the Women’s Development Program.

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Empower IT Lab

The Dilmah Empower IT Lab was inaugurated in 2024 within our factory premises at the Head Office. This stateof-the-art facility is exclusively dedicated to providing our factory associates with the resources and opportunities to pursue professional IT courses in alignment with National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) guidelines.

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MJF Kids Programme

The MJF Kids Programme provides underprivileged children from low income families in 8 locations across Sri Lanka, with education, life skills/vocational training required to overcome the challenges faced by them due to extreme poverty and ensuing social issues. To date, 3500 children from low - income plantation and rural communities are strengthened with educational support. in FY 23/24, 1369 young boys and girls from less privileged, plantation and rural communities are supported with scholarship programs and educational support. Highlights in FY 24/25 - 1) Number of beneficiaries - 852 beneficiaries

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Vocational Training Programme

Vocational training provided for nearly 7,000 youth in carpentry, dress making, IT and graphic design with nationally accredited courses offered as well. In their efforts to inspire female youth entrepreneurs, the MJF Center, Kalkudah in the East of Sri Lanka offers women in rural regions training in beauty culture and embroidery helping them launch their own businesses following their graduation. The course has graduated 25+ young women who are makeup artists and salon owners.

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The Curtiss Institute of Design Technology

The Curtiss Institute of Design Technology is a programme administered by the MJF Charitable Foundation in the West, South, and East of Sri Lanka. It is an IT skills training program that fulfils all national competency standards of the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC). Over 6000 youth, adults, and youth with disabilities have benefited from the courses offered in IT and graphic design. Highlights in FY 24/25 - 1) Number of beneficiaries - 180

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Rainbow Horizons Programme

Rainbow Horizons is a transformative programme that offers holistic education, therapy and care services for children and youth with Down Syndrome and other developmental disabilities in four locations in the West, East, and North of Sri Lanka. Established with a vision to create an educational environment that is both disability- and gender-sensitive, the Centre ensures a safe, inclusive, non-violent, and effective learning space for children from socio- economically challenged backgrounds. This programme has supported 3,500 children and youth with disabilities to develop to their fullest potential.

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People's Market

The People's market falls within the scope of the Small Entrepreneur Program. It was initiated in the aftermath of COVID-19 to help revive small enterprises and support individuals who were made unemployed by the pandemic. Today the Peoples Market takes place every quarter in the West, South and East of Sri Lanka. Each market supports up to 100 small businesses, female-led enterprises and entrepreneurs with disabilities. The Markets attract a footfall between 700 to 1700 shoppers, allowing small enterprises to grow their networks. Highlights in FY 24/25 - 1) Number of beneficiaries - 319

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Preventing Cervical Cancer in Sri Lanka

Dilmah Tea, through its Merrill J. Fernando Charitable Foundation, entered into agreement with the Government of Sri Lanka through the Ministry of Health and the Rotary Club of Colombo, to restart a national initiative to reduce cervical cancer in Sri Lanka with the objective of eradicating it by 2030. The initial grant of Rs. 75 million from Dilmah - MJF Foundation funds test kits for early detection and treatment, to reduce approximately 800 preventable deaths from cervical cancer in Sri Lanka every year. Highlights in FY 24/25 1) 17,095 HPV DNA test kits for cervical cancer were handed over to the Government of Sri Lanka. 2) Hosted the first knowledge sharing session for stakeholders in the public, private sectors and medical field for the project.

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Empowering Plantation Community

Meeting the needs & demands of a resident population of 155,000 in the plantation community through updated infrastructure and facilities. 131 young beneficiaries supported through Scholarships; 88 university undergraduates, 32 of our beneficiaries are university graduates. Gifting of a passbook savings account to over 40 newborns of plantation employees. Contributed towards public health care in the region through the construction of a High Dependency Unit for the District General Hospital in Nawalapitiya, Sri Lanka which benefits 500,000 people in the community. Highlights in FY 24/25 - 1) Number of beneficiaries - 47, 688 beneficiaries 2) Number of scholarships - 43 scholarships

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Find Your Inspiration at Dilmah

Find Your Inspiration at Dilmah (FYID) is a special initiative that has been designed to encourage our staff to engage in sustainable lifestyles. Highlights in FY 24//25 - Seasonal Sustainability - As part of this, two online quizzes were conducted to encourage staff engagement, each drawing participation from around 60 team members. The main event featured a group activity, "Waste to Craft" where approximately 30 staff members came together to create festive decorations using waste materials.

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Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy and other Developmental Disorders (CCCPDD)

Located in Kalapaluwawa, Rajagiriya CCCPDD serves as a centre of excellence, learning and acts as a resource hub for practical education for children with cerebral palsy and other disorders and their families. It provides education, therapy and training not only for those living with Cerebral Palsy and other development disorders but also for their caregivers and for teachers and professionals working with such individuals with special needs. Highlights in FY 24/25 - 1) Number of Beneficiaries - 322 beneficiaries

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AIDEX (Aid to the Ex-Abled)

This annual sports festival is organized by Colombo Friends in Need Society (the oldest charity in Sri Lanka) and has been supported by Dilmah and the Merrill J. Fernando Charitable Foundation for over 20 years. Since its inception, AIDEX has provided a platform for persons with disabilities from around Sri Lanka to realise their potential and encourage them to challenge themselves to live independent lives with dignity while building a sense of community. In addition to supporting the sports festival, the Foundation also supports members of the AIDEX community with scholarships for children and youth and entrepreneurial support for micro entrepreneurs with disabilities.

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Pre- school education

The MJF Foundation pre school education programmes take place in the West, South and Eastern provinces providing holistic, accredited education in an inclusive environment that also caters to the needs of young children with developmental disabilities. Highlights in FY 24/25 - 1) Number of beneficiaries - 232

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Empower Culinary and Hospitality School

Sri Lanka’s only Worldchefs certified culinary training facility, the Empower Culinary & Hospitality School provides youth from low-income communities with professional training in culinary arts and hospitality, combining practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and personal development. It also offers English language and IT skills courses for the culinary students. This industry-focused initiative enables sustainable employment, helping students break the cycle of poverty and lead dignified, empowered lives. Highlights in FY 24/25 - 1) Number of beneficiaries - 77

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"1990 Suwa Seriya" Ambulance Service

Sponsoring of 7 ambulances across Sri Lanka for the "1990 Suwa Seriya" national ambulance service of Sri Lanka.

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My Room Children's Cancer Charity

$250,000 donated to My Room Children's Cancer Charity, Australia since 2021. Highlights in FY 24/25 - 1) International tea Day campaign 2024 – A collaboration between Dilmah Tea & My Room where Dilmah matched dollar-for-dollar up to the first $25,000 in donations to My Room until the end of May.

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Hospices New Zealand

1 million+ tea bags donated to Hospices New Zealand since 1997.

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Environmental Education

Dilmah Conservation frequently organises knowledge sharing events about environmental and wildlife conservation for different audiences ranging from school kids to working professionals to nature lovers because we believe that education is important to make people see why we ought to protect them not for the planet but also for our wellbeing. In fact one of the pillars of Dilmah Conservation is to drive education and awareness, raising up biodiversity conscious citizens and the next generation of conservationists. Highlights in FY 24/25 - 1) Number of workshops/ field visits to our One Earth Centres- 100+ 2) Number of participants/beneficiaries - 3360+

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Climate Forward

A youth-focused initiative by Dilmah Conservation and Genesis, launched alongside the Code Red Sri Lanka Climate Summit to transform high-level climate discussions into action. With over 80 applicants, the program empowered undergraduates and postgraduates to develop innovative, climate-smart business ideas in key sectors such as smart agriculture, energy, mobility, water conservation, and green infrastructure. The primary objective of "Climate Forward" was to empower the next generation of Sri Lankan leaders by inviting undergraduates and postgraduates from across the nation to conceptualize and develop climate-smart solutions and viable business ideas. The program specifically sought to address the prevailing climate challenges facing Sri Lanka, recognizing that young minds possess immense potential for innovative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit. The program saw significant interest, receiving over 80 applications. A selection process was undertaken by an expert panel comprising professors and industry specialists, ultimately narrowing down the field to 10 finalists. These selected participants were then provided with valuable expert advice and specialized training to further develop their climate-focused business concepts.

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Supporting Salvation Army Australia

Empowering Australian Communities by partnering with the Salvos and serving over 1 Million Cups of Tea per year through Salvation Army Centres in Australia.

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