An icon in the Sri Lankan Tea Industry, Merrill J. Fernando, the founder of Dilmah Tea passed away on Thursday (20) morning.

Fernando was 93 at the time of his passing, and was well known for building a tea empire under the Dilmah Brand on passion, quality and unmatched love for tea.

The Dilmah Family tweeted that Merrill J. Fernando passed away surrounded by family, adding that his generation will follow as he rests in the arms of his Lord.

The trailblazing entrepreneur was credited with taking single-origin Sri Lankan tea to over 100 countries worldwide, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in the global tea industry.

Having laid the foundation of Dilmah Tea in the early 1970s, Merrill J. Fernando revolutionized the tea industry by introducing the concept of single-origin Ceylon tea.

More than just a business venture, Dilmah Tea became a reflection of Merrill J. Fernando's deep-rooted passion for tea and his desire to share the distinct flavors of Sri Lanka with the world.

Beyond his commercial success, Merrill J. Fernando was also known for his philanthropic endeavors. 

His dedication to maintaining the integrity of Ceylon tea and uplifting the lives of those involved in its production earned him the respect of not just tea aficionados but also the admiration of Sri Lanka and the global tea community.