Dilmah Champions Sustainable Supply Chains in Sri Lanka

Dilmah invited to be Patron of the UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka Supply Chain Working Group

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For over three decades, Dilmah has been more than a tea company. It has been the custodian of a philosophy that its Founder, Merrill J. Fernando, described simply: "Business is a matter of human service." That conviction has guided every decision, from how Dilmah grows its tea to how it engages with the people and communities that make its story possible.

Today, that philosophy is once again at the heart of a new milestone, as Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company PLC has been invited to be Patron of the Supply Chain Working Group of the UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka (Network Sri Lanka).

This invitation recognizes Dilmah's leadership in reimagining supply chains - not just as pathways of commerce, but as ecosystems of fairness, transparency, and responsibility. It also spotlights the company's commitment to ensuring that sustainability is embedded in every step of its journey, from the tea fields of Sri Lanka to consumers worldwide.

Building Ethical and Responsible Supply Chains

Dilmah's supply chain is both local and global. In Sri Lanka, the company works with trusted partners to source tea, herbs, flavours, and packaging materials, while partnering with reputable international suppliers for specialized inputs and machinery. This blend ensures quality, compliance, and alignment with international standards. Significantly, 79 percent of Dilmah's suppliers are based in Sri Lanka, reflecting its longstanding commitment to local communities. In 2024/25 alone, 71 percent of its total supplier spend - amounting to Rs. 14,494 million out of Rs. 20,440 million - was directed to local businesses, reinforcing its role as an anchor for the national economy.