Dilmah Conservation

Dilmah Conservation Established by Dilmah Founder Merrill J. Fernando to make a better tea for the planet. Dilmah Founder Merrill J.

Fernando pledged in the 1950s to make his business a matter of human service. That pledge is fulfilled in the work of the MJF Charitavle Foundation www.mjffoundation.org. In 2007, with the addition of a sixth pillar to The Five Pillars of Dilmah, Dilmah Conservation was established to recognise the enduring connection that Dilmah, a tea company, has with the environment. Dilmah Conservation utilis

es revenue from the global earnings of Dilmah to design, fund and manage initiatives aimed at promoting biodiversity and sustainable interaction with the environment. These extend to species and terrestrial and marine ecosystem conservation as well as protection of unique cultural heritage such as that of the ancient Veddah people of Sri Lanka.

How do you record the environment around you? This was the focus of our Sobha Mithuro workshop this month at the Beddaga...
23/06/2026

How do you record the environment around you? This was the focus of our Sobha Mithuro workshop this month at the Beddagana Wetland.

What should you be looking at? The shape of the leaf? The pattern of its veins? The arrangement of its flowers? And once you've noticed those details, how do you put them onto paper in a way that helps you remember and identify them later?

These are questions many of us have when asked to record the environment around us.
At our Plant Identification Workshop, plant expert Dr. Himesh stressed that studying nature isn't just about reading books or taking notes. It's about observing carefully and recording what you see. And one of the best ways to do that is through sketching.

That's exactly what our Sobha Mithuro workshop this month at the Beddagana wetland, set out to teach. Participants were guided by environmental educator and naturalist, Narmada Dangampola and Thamandari Pathirana, on how to look beyond the obvious, pick out the details that matter, and translate their observations into sketches that serve as valuable records of the natural world. By combining science with creativity, the session helped equip the next generation with an essential skill for understanding and documenting the environment around them.

Great landscapes aren't built from the top down - they start from the ground up!Join Grey2Green Skill building session #...
22/06/2026

Great landscapes aren't built from the top down - they start from the ground up!

Join Grey2Green Skill building session #6 to learn more about our soils.

Across five Grey2Green Skill Building Sessions, we’ve uncovered
1. what it really takes to transform grey spaces into thriving green ones – urban greening
2. explored why the right plant in the right place matters and how to select
3. how wildlife helps strengthen urban ecosystems
4. technical considerations before a tree even touches the ground
5. why cities and biodiversity must grow together.

Now, we’re going beneath the surface.

For Session 6, we dive into the hidden world of soil – the foundation that determines whether a tree merely survives or truly thrives. Discover soil profiles and layers, learn how to improve soil quality, understand the fascinating relationship between soil and the organisms that keep it alive, explore the challenges urban soils face, and gain practical knowledge on preparing land for tree planting.

Resource person: Prof. Chandrika M. Nanayakkara (Department of Plant Sciences, University of Colombo)

Not part of Grey2Green yet? No problem. This session is open to everyone, making it the perfect opportunity to learn, connect, and become part of our community.

Register here: ceylonteaservicesltd.my.salesforce-sites.com/campaignResponse/CONV_EventRegistration?cid=701fv00000SgJ6DAAV

We know that planting trees is important. And with the best intentions, we take part in greening initiatives.But have we...
19/06/2026

We know that planting trees is important. And with the best intentions, we take part in greening initiatives.

But have we ever stopped to ask: How impactful are they in the long run?

A tree planted without the right planning may never reach maturity. It may struggle to survive, become vulnerable to pests and diseases, damage surrounding infrastructure, or even uproot and fall, creating more problems than solutions.

Through another engaging Grey2Green Skill Building Session, complete with interactive quizzes and technical insights, participants took a step beyond good intentions and explored what truly determines the long-term success of urban greening with Dr. Chamod Hettiarachchi, Senior Lecturer at the University of Moratuwa.

Because real sustainability isn’t just about planting more trees - it’s about planting them the right way.

🌿 First Masterclass in the Grey2Green Building Green Skills SeriesJoin renowned environmental architect, author, and con...
18/06/2026

🌿 First Masterclass in the Grey2Green Building Green Skills Series

Join renowned environmental architect, author, and conservationist Sunela Jayewardene for:

Beyond Concrete: Architecture for the Coexistence of Species
Reweaving the Design Fabric Through Precolonial Eco-Wisdom and Non-Human Centered Design

Discover how our built environments can evolve from static concrete structures into living ecosystems that support both people and nature.

🌱 What you will learn

• Beyond Green Aesthetics: Moving past superficial landscaping towards designing truly regenerative ecologies.
• Non-Human Centered Design: Creating spaces that actively recognise and support other species.
• Lessons from Precolonial Sri Lanka: Exploring how traditional design wisdom can address modern urban challenges.
• The Architecture of Coexistence: Learning from pioneering projects such as Jetwing Vil Uyana and the Rainforest Ecolodge.
• A New Urban Ethic: Reimagining cities as shared habitats that foster stewardship and coexistence.

👥 Who is it for?

Students, architects, urban planners, sustainability professionals, corporate leaders, environmental enthusiasts, and anyone passionate about creating greener, more resilient cities.

🎟️ Admission

Free of charge – with prior registration.

📅 Event Details

Date: 2 July 2026
Time: 4.00 p.m. – 6.00 p.m.
Venue: Genesis: The Dilmah Centre for a Sustainable Future

🌱 Register now – https://cloud.sf.dilmahtea.com/beyond-concrete-architecture-for-coexistence (link in bio).

Grey2Green is a collaboration between Dilmah Conservation and UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka, bringing people together to shape greener, more connected cities through knowledge, science, and practical action.

18/06/2026

A future-ready generation is one that understands that its future is inseparable from the future of nature.

At Dilmah Conservation, environmental education has long been a cornerstone of our work with communities across Sri Lanka, including in Kalkudah in the Eastern Province. Through school programmes, workshops, awareness sessions, and hands-on activities, we engage 700+ of children, youth, teachers, and community members every year, from Kalkudah alone, helping them develop a deeper understanding of biodiversity, climate change, sustainable living, and their role in protecting the environment.

The launch of the Nature Appreciation Club in Kalkudah builds on this long-standing commitment. Launched with an initial cohort of 100 schoolchildren and 15 teachers, the club provides a platform to learn beyond the classroom through exploration, observation, and practical experiences in nature. While this marks the beginning of the initiative, it is envisioned to grow further, reaching more schools and young people in the region and fostering an even wider community of environmentally conscious future stewards.

In a region increasingly experiencing the impacts of climate change, from rising temperatures to changing weather patterns and environmental degradation, nurturing environmentally conscious youth is more important than ever. By investing in these young minds today, we are helping cultivate a generation that is equipped to make informed decisions, strengthen community resilience, and champion a future where people and nature thrive together.

Climate Adaptation for Business ContinuityFollowing the Sri Lanka Climate Summit, the Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka, ...
17/06/2026

Climate Adaptation for Business Continuity

Following the Sri Lanka Climate Summit, the Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka, Genesis Dilmah Centre for A Sustainable Future and Dilmah Conservation together with UNGC held a session for ESG professionals at Genesis, Maligawatte. The session speakers and panelists were veterans who knew the ins and outs in policy making, climate governance and corporate sustainability. It focused on climate adaptation tailored to the local context for ESG professionals. Key contributors included Dr. Lalanath De Silva – Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide, Dr. Rohan Cooray - Climate Risk Analyst, Mrs. Shirani Yasaratne – Biodiversity Sri Lanka and Ms. Sugandi Samarasinghe - UNDP

Key Takeaways from the session:

❇️The Core Problem
For Sri Lanka, adaptation is a matter of business survival, even though the country is not a heavy emitter and global funding currently favours mitigation.
While carbon footprints are easily quantified, the economic costs of climate inaction and adaptation are difficult to measure.
The era of relying on pure international charity funding is ending.

❇️The Bottlenecks
Implementation and coordination of frameworks are weak
While the Ministry of Environment provides mandates, ministries like the Ministry of Finance and Power hold the actual leverage.
Adaptation must occur at the provincial and local levels, rather than just through policy developed in Colombo boardrooms.
Corporations struggle with an "alphabet soup" of complex rules (e.g., TCFD, CBAM, ESRS) without the necessary management infrastructure.
Local data frameworks are currently fragmented and incompatible with global assessment systems.

❇️The Way Forward
Companies should prioritise adaptation strategies and align corporate plans with Sri Lanka’s net-zero plans such as the NDC 3.0, as reaching net-zero is primarily beneficial for those conducting business in foreign markets.
Organizations should conduct Climate Adaptation Audits to assess risks and the resilience of existing infrastructure.
There is a need to pivot toward risk-absorbing "canopy models," where public funds de-risk projects to attract private commercial banks.
Training must shift away from writing grant proposals toward building financially viable, bankable climate investments.

We gathered leaders, owners, and CEOs to talk about the future, and the conversation steered away from balance sheets an...
16/06/2026

We gathered leaders, owners, and CEOs to talk about the future, and the conversation steered away from balance sheets and toward survival.

An Executive Leadership Dialogue on Climate Proofing Business Sri Lanka organised together with Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Genesis Dilmah Centre for A Sustainable Future and UNGC.
The consensus was clear: while lowering our footprint is an important step, it is not the whole journey. Mitigation can save costs and reduce emissions, but adaptation is what will determine whether businesses can withstand the climate realities already unfolding.

Without deep, long-term adaptation, we are essentially gambling with our future.

Throughout the dialogue, discussions ranged from Sri Lanka’s National Adaptation Plan and climate risk projections to corporate resilience strategies already taking shape. The message was not one of fear, but of preparedness.

Climate change is no longer an environmental issue to be addressed in isolation - it is a business risk, a competitiveness issue, and a challenge that demands action today rather than tomorrow. Building value for communities and ecosystems ultimately strengthens economic value and long-term resilience.
• Contextualise mitigation
• Conduct climate adaptation audits
• Develop practical adaptation actions
• Dedicate budgets for resilience
• Advocate for supportive policies
• Collaborate with communities and civil society
• Share learnings to accelerate collective action.

Looking beyond this quarter’s results is no longer optional. Investing in resilience today is what will enable businesses to weather the changes already on our horizon

Immersive Biodiversity Camp at the Dilmah Climate Change Research Centre, Nawalapitiya.Following the enthusiastic respon...
11/06/2026

Immersive Biodiversity Camp at the Dilmah Climate Change Research Centre, Nawalapitiya.

Following the enthusiastic response to its inaugural edition, the Immersive Biodiversity Camp returned for a second year at the Dilmah Climate Change Research Centre in Nawalapitiya. Organised in collaboration with Small Cat Advocacy & Research (SCAR), the three-day programme brought together a passionate group of undergraduates for an enriching journey of exploration, discovery, and hands-on learning.
From engaging icebreakers that connected like-minded undegraduates to guided field experiences and thought-provoking discussions, the camp created a unique space to learn directly from experts while experiencing Sri Lanka’s remarkable natural heritage firsthand.

The programme featured a diverse range of sessions designed to deepen participants’ understanding of biodiversity and conservation:

🦎 Reptiles and Myths (Snake Session) – Nimantha Abeyrathne, Small Cat Advocacy & Research (SCAR)
🌱 Leadership in Science Education – Saumya Bandara, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya
🧬 Evolutionary Biology – Dr. Gajaba Ellepola, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya
🌊 Ocean Conservation – Chathurika Munasinghe, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya
🦂 Scorpions of Sri Lanka – Kumudu B. Wijesooriya, Lecturer, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya
🍃 Lichens and Flora of Sri Lanka – Buddhika Weerakoon, PhD Candidate, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya
🌸 Flowering Plants of the Central Hills – Harsha Dissanayake, SCAR
🐝 A Conversation on Beekeeping – Tharindu Prabhashwara, Centre Coordinator, Dilmah Climate Change Research Centre, Nawalapitiya
🌿 Field Conservation and Project Development – Ashan Thudugala, SCAR
🧬eDNA metabarcording applications- Thilina Nimalrathna
🦅 Field Visit: Bird watching, wildlife monitoring techniques, camera trapping, and field research methods, facilitated by Buddhika Weerakoon from the SCAR Research Team
📋 Funding and Project Management for Conservation – Ashan Thudugala, SCAR

By the end of the camp, participants walked away with more than just notes and new knowledge, gaining unforgettable experiences, meaningful connections, fresh perspectives, and a deeper appreciation for the role they can play in protecting Sri Lanka’s biodiversity. It was a truly fulfilling three days of learning, exploration, and inspiration, helping nurture the next generation of conservation champions.

Why bother conserving reefs when the global outlook for them looks so discouraging?It’s a fair question and an apt one t...
08/06/2026

Why bother conserving reefs when the global outlook for them looks so discouraging?

It’s a fair question and an apt one to ponder on World Oceans Day today. But we believe in changing the small parts of the world we can reach. Our new coral mapping project - a collaboration with the University of Colombo and Uva Wellessa - is our way of moving from concern to action.

By creating the first ever detailed map of Sri Lanka’s underwater landscape, we are identifying the resilient zones that can survive the heat and taking notice of the areas that need our immediate help. We are not just watching the ocean change; we are learning how to protect it, one coordinate at a time.

Not every tree makes a city cooler. And not every tree belongs by a roadside.The right tree can do more than provide sha...
05/06/2026

Not every tree makes a city cooler. And not every tree belongs by a roadside.
The right tree can do more than provide shade- reduce urban heat, improve road safety, manage stormwater, support biodiversity, and create more comfortable spaces for people. The wrong choice, could do the opposite and worse.

We are now at Session #05 of the Grey to Green: Building Green Skills series 🌿

Join us as we explore the connection between roadside planting and the Urban Heat Island Effect and discover how thoughtful urban greening can help build cooler, safer, and more resilient cities. From selecting suitable tree species to understanding their role in climate adaptation, this session will uncover how greenery can become an essential part of urban infrastructure.

Whether you're a student, professional, planner, or simply interested in creating better cities, this session is for you.
📅 Date: 13th June 2026
⏰ Time: 8.45 a.m. – 12 p.m.
📍 Location: One Earth Centre, Moratuwa (next to K-Zone)

👉 Register now: ceylonteaservicesltd.my.salesforce-sites.com/campaignResponse/CONV_EventRegistration?cid=701fv00000Pr5EZAAZ

Grey to Green is a collaboration between Dilmah Conservation and UN Global Compact Sri Lanka, bringing people together to shape greener, more connected cities through knowledge, science, and practical action.

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111 Negombo Road
Peliyagoda

Telephone

+94114822490

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