SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2025
DILMAH VISION & MISSION STATEMENT
We believe in the transformative power of tea.
Every cup of our Tea presents our respect for Nature, as the source of taste and goodness, and our uncompromising commitment to Quality, Integrity and Purpose.
Our family business has its genesis in our Founder’s devotion to tea, burnished by a heart of Kindness.
We stand firm with the same dedication to delivering great Taste and natural Goodness with Kindness.
We honour the legacy of Merrill J. Fernando, in pursuit of our mission to positively impact People and Nature.
Every sip of Dilmah Tea is an assurance of compassion, hope and a better world for present Mission and future generations.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
Driving growth with responsibility to protecting nature
In alignment with “Purpose,” one of Dilmah’s three core values, we take deliberate steps to minimise our environmental impact and protect the planet. This is achieved by incorporating conservation and sustainability into our core business strategies and policies. Dilmah Conservation & Sustainability serves as the dedicated branch responsible for the on-the-ground execution of these initiatives.
*The data presented in this section pertain to the 2023/24 financial year.
DILMAH CORPORATE ENVIRONMENT POLICY
ESG Policy Environment Policy
Dilmah Tea’s Environmental Policy commits to environmental protection as part of its ethical mission. The company aims to prevent pollution, comply with environmental laws, and continually improve its operations’ impact. It promotes sustainability with suppliers and customers while ensuring a safe and inclusive workplace for its employees.
DILMAH’S SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
consists of 7 pillars and 27 elements
Corporate Governance
Employee Empowerment
Responsible Operations
Stakeholder Engagement
Supply Chain Sustainability
Product and Services
Disclosure and Verification
Along with our EMS certification, we hold several other certifications that reflect our commitment to environmental standards: Environmental Protection License (EPL)
Ethical Sourcing and Responsible Operations Related Certifications
• Rainforest Alliance Chain of Custody Certification
• SMETA SEDEX Members
Ethical Trade Audit
04 PILLARS
Biodiversity
Conservation & Restoration
Climate Resilience
Research, Adaptation & Sustainability
Environmental Education & Awareness
Environmental Advocacy
CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY
Pursuing a green future in energy consumption
Energy
Energy consumption by source in GJ in FY 2023/24
Energy Saving Initiatives
• Compressed air saving
• Energy monitoring system
• VFD installation to cooling tower motor
• Replacing old A/C package units
Green Energy
In the financial year 2023/24 our total renewable energy production has shown a share of 21% in the total grid energy consumption of the Company’s operations, arising in a total saving of 234.5 tCO2 equivalent to growing 6,413 trees.
REDUCING EMISSIONS
Journeying from Carbon Neutral to SBTi NetZero
Emissions
GHG emissions by Scope 2023/24 (MT CO2e)
We transitioned from carbon neutrality to adopting the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for Net Zero to focus on absolute emissions reductions, ensuring our actions are aligned with the latest climate science and contribute more effectively to limiting global warming.
The Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) helps companies set carbon reduction goals based on the latest climate science to ensure they are doing their part in limiting global warming to a safe level.
Our value chain accounts for 96% of our total emissions, categorised as Scope 3. The “Stronger Together” platform supports our value chain for their Decarbonisation efforts (Refer page 34)
Dilmah has received official validation from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for its Net Zero targets, including NearTerm, Long-Term, and FLAG commitments. This makes Dilmah the first company in Sri Lanka’s Food and Beverage Processing sector to achieve SBTi approval across all three categories, highlighting its leadership in science-based climate action
EFFICIENT OPERATIONS
WATER WASTE
Water consumption by source (m3)
Daily wastewater, both greywater (from handwashing sinks, showers, etc) and blackwater (from toilets, urinals,etc), is treated chemically and biologically at our on-site wastewater treatment plant.
Waste disposal by category (MT)
OUR SUSTAINABILITY CULTURE, SINCE 2000
Began the process of eliminating the plastic in our tea packs by introducing a tear-strip design.
Packaging Breakthrough: Pyramid tea bags changed to PLAa plant-based material.
Packaging that contains 10 tea envelopes (10E) was changed to include a window to reduce material usage.
Eliminated 421,052 Kgs of plastic from packaging.
Production lines were converted to use 100% PLA based filter paper in year 2020.
All inner cartons were delivered by suppliers, wrapped in kraft paper, which have now been discarded. Also, 75% of inner cartons have switched to reusable corrugated inner cartons and a system is in place to return them to suppliers.
Eliminated the plastic overwrap in 80% of tea packs using tear-strip design.
Continuous material reduction measures in tea tags, bags and packs.
Over the last 24 years we have reached significant milestones in our packaging and business sustainability journey, trailblazing packaging innovations within our industry.
Switched from tin tea caddies to paper canisters in 3 SKU’s of Dilmah Inspirations Range launched in Australia .
Switched from foil envelopes to Paper enveloped tea bags for 8 variants in Café range.
2nd Merrill J Fernando Innovation Awards (Ecovation Awards): identifying, empowering and rewarding sustainable inventors with a focus on sustainable packaging, resource efficiency and waste management.
Sustainable Premium Ceylon Black Tea 80 Pack (Pilot project): Switched to tag-free sustainable plant-based tea bags. A tree will be planted with every pack sold in the Australian market.
Environmental impact of end-product included in the selection criteria when investing in new machinery.
Innovations: Biodegradable trials for both sachet and T4 envelope products. Launching of Supplier Code of Conduct for Packaging suppliers. Investments into homecompostable tea bags.
DRIVING PACKAGING SUSTAINABILITY
While producing the finest tea we also think of the end-of-life disposal and impact of our products.
Reducing packaging is our mission, while exploring options that are compostable, biodegradable, reusable, and recyclable—because a future with sustainable packaging is what we are aiming to create.
We use the latest and the best technologies, and materials such as plant-based materials for our packaging while preserving the quality of the products.
Our Quality and New Product Development teams tirelessly conduct research and development on the new advancements for our products.
Further we raise awareness of customers about sustainable disposal through recognised environmental and recycling logos.
Rating of 71% in the APCO Annual Survey on Packaging Sustainability 2024
Positioned among the top 25 percentile of all companies rated by ECOVADIS.
Research and Development
Biodegradable trials for both sachet and T4 envelope products.
Paper Related
/ Envelop Related
PACKAGING SUSTAINABILITY
Success Sories of Dilmah Packaging Sustainability
We use sustainable packaging, enabled by investments in new machinery.
FSC certified packaging for selected product ranges (Yum / Silver Jubilee.- Gourmet, Exceptional)
Dilmah has successfully obtained globally recognised home and industrial compostability certifications from Australasian Bioplastics Association (ABA) and DIN CERTCO for our Pot Tea bag / Tag Free Tea bag. Altogether we are eligible to use 5 different globally recognised composability logos for our Pot tea bags as mentioned below.
Compostable -
CERTCO Home CompostableABA
DIN-Geprüft industrially compostable - DIN CERTCO
Keimling Seedling - DIN CERTCO
Seedling - ABA
Dilmah Pot Teabag/ Tag Free Teabag Logo Description
OUR COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING
Investment in research, development and adoption of environmentally friendly packaging technology for our products since 2000
All Inner Cartons are recyclable & biodegradable
All Outer
Cartons
are recyclable & biodegradable
All Tin Caddies
are recyclable
#3 PVC Polyvinyl Chloride
#20 PAP Corrugated Fiberboard (Cardboard)
#81 C/PAP Paper + Plastic
#84 C/PAP Paper and Cardboard/Plastic/Aluminium
#90 C/LDPE Plastics/Aluminium
Yum Range
Foil Envelope (10E/ 25E / 100E)
Infusions
& Tag (20st)
Foil Envelope (20E/25E/100E)
Arana
Tea bags (20P)
Exquisitely Flavoured Tea String & Tag (20st)
Foil Envelope (20E/25E/100E)
& Tag (20st)
Foil Envelope (20E/25E/100E)
Organic Foil Envelope (20E)
#84 C/PAP Paper and Cardboard/Plastic/Aluminium #90 C/LDPE Plastics/Aluminium #20 PAP Corrugated Fiberboard (Cardboard) #81 C/PAP Paper + Plastic #5 PP Polypropylene #3 PVC Polyvinyl Chloride Range Format / SKU
85 Reserve
& Tag Tin Caddies (20LLTBs)
& Tag (20LLTBs)
Dilmah Exceptionals
& Tag Tin Caddies (20LLTBs)
Leaf Tea (Tin Caddies)
Leaf Tea (Refills)
Dilmah Finest
Makers Private Reserve
& Tag Tin Caddies (20LLTBs)
#5 PP Polypropylene #3 PVC Polyvinyl Chloride
Leaf Tea (Porcelain Caddies)
C/LDPE Plastics/Aluminium #20 PAP Corrugated Fiberboard (Cardboard) #81 C/PAP Paper + Plastic
C/PAP Paper and Cardboard/Plastic/Aluminium
Leaf Tea (Refills)
#3 PVC Polyvinyl Chloride Silver Jubilee Gourmet
THE ASSURANCE OF QUALITY
A commitment to achieving the highest standards for manufacturing, materials and process excellence
ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Certification
ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System Certification
Rainforest Alliance Chain of Custody
Organic product certifications – EU
FSSC 22000 Food Safety System Certification
BRC Global Standard for Food Safety
Organic product certifications USDA NOP
Organic product certifications – JAS
FIND YOUR INSPIRATION AT DILMAH
Encouraging employees to live sustainably builds a culture of sustainability and increases awareness
Building employee awareness about environmental management and conservation is crucial for our business. Find Your Inspiration at Dilmah is the dedicated programme of Dilmah to spread the message of the importance of sustainability among employees.
• Waste To Craft
• Veganuary Challenge
• World Environment Day video
• Nature Paparazzi Photographic competition
• Build a Sustainable Christmas Tree
• Wetland Walkabout
Encouraging Sustainable Lifestyles through:
• Learning
• Ideation
• Quizzes
• Competitions 2021
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
Protecting ecosystems and wildlife through community engagement, research and conservation measures reduces ethical risks and improves long-term resource availability
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
• Dugong
• Amphibians
• Elephants
• Bees
• Coral
• Butterflies
• Rainforest
• Wetland
• Mangrove
• Cave
• Sustainable Beekeeping
• Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) Awards for the community at Endane
Elephant Conservation Bee a Keeper
Revamping the Elephant Information Centre and the Souvenir shop at the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe.
• Enhanced visitor experience
• 20+ entrepreneurs supported through the “Tusker Point” souvenir shop.
Supporting the care of orphaned baby elephants since 2014
• 3 successfully released into the wild
• 1 presently cared for until ready for release
Educate and support community on sustainable beekeeping
• 4+ project locations
• 20+ successful Beekeepers
• 03 research projects
• 5 litres of bee honey harvested
Research Location: Nawalapitiya
Project Locations: One Earth Centers in Moratuwa, Kalkudah and Endane
Endane Biodiversity Corridor (EBC) Arboretum
Initiated by Merrill J. Fernando, the Founder of Dilmah Ceylon Tea, EBC is co-financed by the Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company PLC and the Franklinia Foundation, Switzerland and implemented by Dilmah Conservation and the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka.
• 4238 seedlings planted for ex-situ conservation.
• 10,000 seedlings including 47 globally threatened tree species planted.
• 40 ha. of degraded tea lands being converted to tropical lowland rainforests.
• A new community-based organisation named ‘Uda Delwala Ecosystem Services Foundation’ established.
• 09 households given financial awards to encourage Community Home Gardens.
2 Arboretums (mini forests) established at our One Earth Centres:
• Wet Zone – Moratuwa
• Dry Zone – Kalkudah
• 289 species of trees, shrubs and vines establised in Moratuwa
• 100+ species trees established in Kalkudah
Mangrove Conservation
Investing in Blue Carbon initiatives
25-acre mangrove forest in Kappal Adi Kite Lagoon in Kalpitiya.
62 native plant species recorded in the baseline survey.
153 species of wildlife including birds, butterflies and reptile species.
200+ participants attended two awareness-raising sessions on mangrove conservation.
Wetland Conservation
A public-private partnership with the Sri Lanka Urban Development Authority to enhance the park’s wetland education and awareness.
• 6 awareness raising programmes
• 580 Participants
Project Location: Beddagana Wetland Park
Greening
Collaboration with USAID, Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation and Natural Resources Management Centre to empower rural farmers in the East of Sri Lanka through climate resilient farming techniques.
Distributing 70 cashew plants each for 20 farmers cultivating 20 acres.
Seaweed Farming
Pilot project in collaboration with the National Aquaculture Development Authority.
Practising sustainable seaweed farming with a view to addressing challenges such as overfishing and fish migration due to warming waters.
Project Location: Mannar
Awareness Sessions:
• 10 Trainers trained
• 20 farmers trained
Butterfly Conservation
Providing a haven for a growing list of butterfly species.
First private-owned Urban Butterfly Garden in Sri Lanka.
Project Location: One Earth Center Moratuwa
1750+ visitors to the Butterfly Garden in 2023/24.
58 out of 248 species of butterflies observed in Sri Lanka have been sighted within the Garden.
ADVOCATING CHANGE
For a Healthier Environment and Sustainable Livelihoods
Dilmah co-founded Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL) in 2012 with IUCN and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce to unite businesses in environmental conservation. As a founding partner, we promote responsible business practices and knowledge sharing for biodiversity conservation.
A publication consisting of 17 practical environmental conservation best practices successfully adopted by individuals in the tourism and hospitality industry; encouraging others to follow suit.
LIFE: A COMPENDIUM OF BIODIVERSITY STORIES IN HOSPITALITY
A groundbreaking publicprivate effort within the Kanneliya Forest Reserve to restore 10 hectares of degraded fern land while enhancing its ecological functions and capacity to provide ecosystem services.
KANNELIYA RESTORATION LIFE PROJECT
Conserving and restoring degraded coral reefs through Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in collaboration with the Department of Wildlife Conservation, IUCN, and members of Biodiversity Sri Lanka.
LIFE TO OUR CORAL REEFS
Restoring 25 acres of degraded mangrove forest patches in the Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary with BSL members and the Department of Wildlife Conservation Sri Lanka.
LIFE TO OUR MANGROVES
EDUCATION AND AWARENESS
Through conservation and sustainability knowledge sharing at our centres, we contribute towards creating an informed community
175 4690+ 17 Workshops Participants Research Studies
One Earth Centers
We focus on:
Educational Outreach:
Provide learning opportunities about sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship through various initiatives.
Climate Resilience and Sustainable Livelihoods:
Climate Change Research:
Ecosystem Restoration:
The centres aim to enhance climate resilience and promote sustainable livelihoods. Initiating and facilitating long-term community participatory programmes to restore degraded ecosystems.
Address the impacts of climate change through scientific research focused on adaptation and mitigation strategies.
AWARENESS BUILDING ACTIVITIES BY “ONE EARTH CENTRES” - FY 2023/24
One Earth Centre Moratuwa
One Earth Centre Kalkudah
37 awareness programmes covering topics such as butterfly awareness, heritage, medicinal plants, the arboretum, and the organic garden.
Hosted practical beekeeping sessions for 100 University of Sri Jayawardenapura undergraduates as part of their course module.
03 women’s empowerment workshops on culinary and hospitality, beekeeping, cashew apple by-products and climate change.
02 workshops for university students on manufacturing organic coconut ice cream.
03 workshops for school students about climate change and reforestation.
02 beach clean-up programmes
Beekeeping programme for Valaichenai Hindu College 79 Participants.
One Earth Center for Climate Change Research
Nawalapitiya
04 awareness programmes
Research in collaboration with UKRI GCRF South Asian Nitrogen Hub and University of Peradeniya to understand the implications of ammonia pollution on tropical forest ecosystems and agricultural lands.
DILMAH NATURE TOONS DILMAH PUBLICATIONS
Turning complex environmental issues into clear calls to action, engaging all ages with fun and powerful storytelling
400+ Nature toons since 2021
• 09 field guides
• 01 on organic gardening
• 01 on natural history
• 04 on heritage
• 01 on conservation for kids
CORPORATE ADVOCACY
Communicating our commitment to biodiversity and sustainability by supporting and leading social and environmental initiatives, and building partnerships
Dilmah Conservation holds the position of a climate leader for United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) Network Sri Lanka, collaborating on initiatives to raise climate awareness. Dilmah is also engaged in UNGC’s Sustainable Supply Chain and Climate Action Working Groups, committed to achieving zero emissions by 2050 through Science Based Targets initiative.
In 2012, Dilmah, in partnership with the IUCN and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, established Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL) to promote environmental conservation in the corporate sector. BSL is a platform where businesses can share knowledge, discuss best practices, and develop solutions for biodiversity and conservation challenges. Over the years it has grown to comprise of 37 Patron Members, 38 General Members, and 5 SME Members.
SUSTAINABILITY BEYOND BUSINESS
Transforming
the business landscape and empowering small businesses for a sustainable future
Genesis by Dilmah Centre for A Sustainable Future is a purpose-driven innovation platform designed to advance sustainable and inclusive development through sustainable entrepreneurship and nature-based solutions. Rooted in Dilmah’s core values of environmental stewardship and social justice, Genesis serves as a dynamic hub where diverse stakeholders come together to cocreate, test, and scale transformative models aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Tea & Cinnamon
Experience Centre
Townhall Space
Co-working Space
Key focus areas include:
Technology: Leveraging technology for nature-based solutions and piloting innovations such as remote sensing
Knowledge: Fostering collaboration through a shared platform for knowledge exchange and community building
Thought Leadership: Advancing thought leadership by shaping dialogue and driving action on nature-based solutions and climate innovation
GENESIS CENTRE PROJECTS
Extended Version of Dilmah ECOVATION
A programme to address the challenges faced by the sector, such as the need for new markets, investment, and support in innovation.
An island-wide competition to call for action and promote a more responsible behaviour and consumption patterns of plastics among public through engagement and innovation of university and school
A programme that is aimed at fostering innovation, collaboration, and the development of sustainable solutions to address pressing environmental challenges in the wake of worsening climate change.
10
10 Beneficiaries
07 Beneficiaries
Kick off project of Genesis, a platform to integrate value chains of Sri Lankan organic and regenerative agriculture and food sectors through innovation and collaboration for meaningful growth. Beneficiaries 06 Year 2022/23 Year 2023 Year 2023 Year 2024/25 Beneficiaries
PARTNERSHIP FOR SUSTAINABLE TEA CULTIVATION AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE
Climate Vulnerable Forum Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Dilmah Tea Promoting:
• Sustainable tea cultivation practices- aligning with Sri Lanka’s Climate Prosperity Plan
• Biodiversity conservation
• Afforestation initiatives
• Programmes to enhance the climate resilience of teagrowing communities
SUSTAINABILITY BEYOND BUSINESS
Promote Local Sourcing
767 local suppliers and service providers who represents
78% of the entire Supply Chain.
1,401 GJ from Hydropower at Kahawatte Plantations
870 kW solar power capacity at Kahawatte Plantations
129,799 m3 capacity for Rainwater Harvesting at Kahawatte Plantations.
SUSTAINABILITY BEYOND BUSINESS
Programme 2 : Tea Plantation
Companies & Tea Brokers
Programme 3 : Service Providers
Strategic Collaboration Projects
Supplier Training, Awareness & Capacity
Building
Supplier Audits, Verification and Monitoring
Collaboration with Sustainable Project Initiatives
Circle for Sustainable Innovations
Sustainability Evaluation
Digital Platform: Sustainability Portal
Sustainability in Packaging
Leaf to Cup Sustainability Summit and Echo-Chai Awards
PEOPLE
Assurance of Social Well-being
Occupational Health and Safety Management Approach
Development
Retention
Engagement
*The data presented in this section pertain to the 2023/24 financial year.
HR GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE
Regulatory frameworks
• Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Act
• Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhumane or Degrading Treatment or Punishment Act
• Convention on the Suppression of Terrorist Financing Act
• International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act
• Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act
• Maternity Benefits Ordinance Shop and Office Employees (regulation of employment and remuneration) Act
• Workmen’s Compensation Ordinance
Human Rights Policy
Ethics Policy
Grievance Policy
Human Resource Policy
Health & Safety Policy
Company Standing Orders & Code of Conduct
• Conditions of Employment
• Classification of Employee
• Employee Security
• Disciplinary Inquiry Procedure
DMC BRC HR
HOD
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
By focusing on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, we create a space where everyone’s voice is heard, and everyone has the opportunity to succeed
Total Employees by Gender Team Profile by Employee Category and Gender
TOTAL EMPLOYEES BY AGE
Hires
The onboarding process begins with all new recruits granted formal access to the “MJF Academy’’ online platform
Here they are taken through:
• Cross functional training
• Technical competency development programmes
• Machine skill enhancement training
• Fire training by the fire service department
66,084 total training hours
Rs. Mn 120 investment in training
87 % retention rate
71 promotions in 2024 – 154% increase compared to previous FY
89 Long Service Awards
and OPD
• Medical and maternity leave
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Prioritising the health and safety of employees ensures a thriving workplace where everyone feels secure and can perform their best
Health and safety
Safe Workplace: PPE’s are given to all the required employees free of charge to encourage an accident free workplace while a dedicated Health and Safety Manager ensures a safe work culture.
The Manager – Health and Safety is the main authoritative body in charge of enforcing the safety policy in the day-to-day business. Under the supervision of the Manager – Health and Safety, a cross functional Occupational Health & Safety team comprising representatives from engineering, production, HR, stores, security, food technology, quality, the onsite nurse and designated worker representatives, have been appointed.
Upholding Internationally guided commitments for health and workplace safety, the company’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ensures good health (SDG 3) and decent work (SDG 8).
Adhering to Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA) requirements, Dilmah continuously improves health and safety practices.
Lost time injuries in 2023/24 Summary
EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT
Building Stronger Connections in the Workplace
New Year celebration Annual Pirith chanting ceremony Kids' Christmas party
Distribution of dry ration packs Factory associate party Staff party
COMMUNITY BEYOND BUSINESS
Working with underserved communities investing long term in the lives of women, men, girls and boys to ensure their brighter futures
Supporting the Elderly Livelihood Support Health and Nutrition for Children
Alternative Education and Vocational Training
Empowering People with Disabilities
Enhancing the National Healthcare System
DILMAH COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT PILLARS
COMMUNITY BEYOND BUSINESS
Directly or indirectly benefitting the lives of over 100,000 disadvantaged people
Women’s Development Programme (WDP)
Empowering marginalised women and young girls with skills development and entrepreneurship training. Active in –
• Kalkudah
• Moratuwa
• Weligama
1400+ women empowered with vocational skills to pursue their goals.
Empower IT Lab
Inaugurated in 2024 within our factory premises at the Head Office.
Dedicated to providing our factory associates with the resources and opportunities to pursue professional IT courses in alignment with National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) guidelines.
The Curtiss Institute of Design Technology Programme
IT skills training programme that fulfills all national competency standards of the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC).
Active in –
• Moratuwa
• Kalkudah
• Weligama
6000+ youth and adults benefitted.
MJF Kids Programme
Strengthening disadvantaged plantation and rural communities with educational support.
Provides 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.
1369 young boys and girls are supported.
Vocational Training Programme
Vocational training provided for youth in carpentry, dress making, IT and graphics.
25 young makeup artists and salon owners graduated following a 6 month course in Kalkudah.
The Kalkudah centre also commenced a new “Aari” work embroidery and needlework course. 60 young women have graduated with the skills to become professional designers and seamstresses.
Life through Cricket
Uplifting the lives of young children through sports together with MJF Foundation and Cricket Live Foundation (CLF) New Zealand.
1,000 boys and girls have been impacted by this programme.
Small Entrepreneur Programme –Peoples’ Market
To help revive small enterprises and support individuals who were made unemployed by the pandemic.
The quarterly markets take place in
• Moratuwa
• Weligama
• Kalkudah
Each Market supports up to 100 small businesses, female-led enterprises and entrepreneurs with disabilities and attracts between 700 to 1700 shoppers.
Eradicating Cervical Cancer
A national initiative to eradicate cervical cancer in Sri Lanka by 2030.
The project is a collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Rotary Club of Colombo.
Dilmah - MJF Foundation made a commitment of Rs. 75 million, funding 17,095 cervical cancer HPV DNA test kits. This enables continued screening efforts across the country to reduce approximately 800 preventable deaths from cervical cancer in Sri Lanka every year.
Rainbow Horizons Programme Supporting the Plantation Community
230 children and infants supported at the Center for Children with Cerebral Palsy and other Developmental Disorders.
The Early Intervention Clinic in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo is dedicated to enhancing the lives of young children with Down syndrome, Cerebral palsy, and other developmental disorders, benefitting 1000+ kids.
Altogether through this project 3500 young girls and boys have been benefitted.
Meeting the needs and demands of a resident population. 155,000 in the plantation community are supported with infrastructure and facilities.
131 young beneficiaries supported through scholarships; 88 of our beneficiaries are university undergraduates and 32 are university graduates.
Gifting of a passbook savings account to over 40 newborns of plantation employees.
GOVERNANCE
At Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company PLC (Dilmah) good governance serves as the main anchor that forms the foundation upon which the Company’s operations are built and managed. Good governance has been the key catalyst in positioning Dilmah as the first ethically produced tea brand and exemplifying the Dilmah philosophy that business transcends mere commerce to become a force for human service. Dilmah’s commitment to good governance is framed around 4 principles.
Integrity
Accountability
Good Governance Principles
Transparency
*The data presented in this section pertain to the 2023/24 financial year.
Professionalism
DILMAH CEYLON TEA COMPANY PLC
LEVERAGING DIVERSE EXPERTISE
RISK MANAGEMENT
Effective risk management ensures that potential challenges are identified, assessed, and addressed, safeguarding the organisation’s success and stability
Sustainable Growth in Earnings
Managing our People
Innovation
Customer Satisfaction
Managing our Distribution Network
Geopolitical Conditions in Buying Markets
Product Responsibility
Managing our Supply Chain
Exchange Rate Fluctuations
Environmental & Socio-economic Compliance
Health and Safety
Manufacturing Capabilities
Implications of Climate Change
Brand Image and Reputation
Preserving the Environment
Community Engagement
Information System & Cybersecurity
Power and Energy
Cost of Production and Logistics
Significance to the Group
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND ETHICS AND SUSTAINABILITY FRAMEWORK
Three lines of defence
1st
New policies formulated
• Gift policy
• Policy on the matters relating to the Board of Directors
• Policy on Board Committees
• Policy on Corporate Governance, Nominations and Re-election
• Policy on Whistleblowing 3rd
• Policy on Remuneration
• Policy on Risk management and Internal controls
• Policy on Relations with Shareholders and Investors
• Policy on Environmental, Social and Governance Sustainability
• Policy on Control and Management of Company Assets and Shareholder Investments
• Policy on Corporate Disclosures
VOTED SUSTAINABILITY CHAMPIONS
BCCS Awards 2024
Winner corporate environmental commitment
Winner - Top 10 Corporate Citizen 2024 Category Award Winner - Corporate Environmental Commitment
Winner – Best Project Sustainability Awards for MJF Charitable Foundation’s Small Entrepreneur Programme 2nd Runner Up – Award for Planning and Adoption for Resilient Practices
Certificate: Consistent Commitment and Continuous Improvement - Environment Beyond Business
Certificate: Consistent Commitment and Continuous Improvement - Customer Relations
Sustainability Tracker Awards 2024
Winner - High Achiever Award
TAGS Awards 2024
Silver Award – Food and Beverage Sector – Turnover above LKR 15 BN
26th Presidential Export Awards - 2023/2024
Overall Award – Market Diversified Exporter of the year. Merit Award - Best Exporter of the Tea Sector (Large)
Dilmah was Voted New Zealand’s Most Trusted Tea Brand for the 8th Consecutive year by Reader’s Digest.
CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
As the climate crisis intensifies, our emphasis is on sustainable interaction with our environment through biodiversity conservation, by restoring degraded ecosystems, researching and encouraging practical climate action, adopting regenerative agricultural methods, investing in environmental education, and advocating change for the better. In 2024, those initiatives will gain further momentum as we nourish the enduring connection we have with Nature, as we craft the finest tea on earth with kindness to people and nature.
Sustainability is simply a big word for doing what is right. If it is one thing my father, the Founder of Dilmah tea has taught the world, it is to do what is right – no matter how hard or long it takes. Today the need for sustainability is very much a reality –when we step out and witness the vulnerable communities, threatened ecosystems and wildlife and the consequences of extreme weather events – that’s all it takes to understand the value of the ecosystem services we have compromised. The only way to make a difference is to embody the change we seek in the world. That is why we are fostering sustainability within our businesses, extending our responsibility to consumers, and revolutionizing our supply chain.
Dilhan C. Fernando Son of Dilmah Founder Merrill J. Fernando, Chairman & CEO of Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company.
dilmahtea.com
