Dilmah’s Merril J selected as Oslo Business for Peace 2015 Honouree
View(s):Norway-based Business for Peace Foundation this week announced the selection of Dilmah founder – Merrill J. Fernando, as one of the 2015 Oslo Business for Peace Honourees by the Award Committee of Nobel Laureates in Peace and Economics.
Merrill J. Fernando
In addition to Mr. Fernando, the first ever Sri Lankan Honouree, Juan Andres Cano (Colombia), Zahi Khouri (Palestine), Poman Lo (Hong Kong) and Paul Polman (United Kingdom) have been honoured. Per L. Saxegaard, Business for Peace Foundation Executive Chairman commented that “each of the 2015 honourees are remarkable examples of individuals who are applying their business energy ethically and responsibly in the interest of also creating a positive impact for society. The Foundation is pleased to recognise their efforts.” The Dilmah founder and fellow honourees will be felicitated in Oslo on May 5-6 at a Business for Peace Round Table which will be addressed by Erna Solberg, Norwegian Prime Minister, Prince Maximillian of Liechtenstein amongst others.
The Foundation annually names honourees for the Oslo Business for Peace Award in recognition of business persons who, through their own actions and commitments truly are business worthy, promoting socially responsible and ethical business practices in an outstanding way, and standing out as examples to the world.
“I think the idea behind the Oslo Business for Peace Award, and the potential impact it may have, is important and inspiring. It is important to encourage businesspersons to be conscious of the role they can play as individuals to foster stability and peace,” said Nobel Laureate Kofi A. Annan, commenting on the Business for Peace Award.
In humbly accepting this award, Mr. Fernando first thanked “God for His Grace and Favour” and paid tribute to the many individuals who have played a defining role in his life, in particular the staff of Dilmah and affiliated companies for helping him in translating his vision into reality. He also thanked the many well wishers around the world who helped in the evolution of Dilmah from an impossible dream to a global brand.