Founder of Dilmah Merrill J Fernando dies aged 93 surrounded by family
Dilmah Merrill J Fernando founder dies aged 93 surrounded by family
- The founder of the tea brand died in Sri Lanka on Thursday
The founder of the popular Sri Lankan tea company Dilmah has passed away at the age of 93.
Merrill J Fernando was surrounded by his sons and grandchildren when he passed away on Thursday in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
He is known for his iconic ‘do try it’ slogan.
The tea company announced Mr Fernando’s death, saying his “greatness lay in his unconquerable faith, his integrity and love of tea and family.”
“With dedication and urgency, he pursued his desire for integrity and quality with humility and kindness,” the company said.
Merrill J Fernando was surrounded by his family when he passed away on Thursday
The founder had helped create the brand’s first Single Origin Tea in 1988 and worked until he was 91.
Mr. Fernando also founded the Merrill J. Fernando Charitable Foundation, which supports youth, entrepreneurs, civil society organizations, detainees and war widows in Sri Lanka.
His son, Malik J Fernando, shared a heartfelt tribute to his father on LinkedIn.
“He was such a towering figure in our lives; we never thought he would leave us,” he wrote.
“He is certainly in the arms of the Lord today. My brother and I, and our children, pledge to strengthen his legacy and further his mission. RIP darling Thathie (father).’
More to come