Editing Merrill J. Fernando (section)

===Recognition===
In 2015, Fernando was honoured by an Oslo Business for Peace award.[16]

In 2016, he was chosen as Sri Lankan of the Year[17] and in the same year he was awarded the FIRST Award for Responsible Capitalism for improving the lives of underprivileged children and deprived communities.[16]

Dilmah was recognised by brand think tank Medinge Group as a Brand with a Conscience.[17]

In 2018, Fernando received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the World Association of Chefs' Societies.[16]

In August 2019, Dilmah's founder was honoured with the second highest Sri Lankan national award, having the title of "Deshamanya" bestowed upon him.[16][17]

In November 2019, Fernando was awarded an honorary doctorate (Doctor of Science) by Massey University in New Zealand, "in recognition of his leadership in ethical business within the food and beverage industry". He had had an association with the university since the late 1990s, when he worked with Distinguished Professor Paul Moughan at the Riddet Institute.[18]

Upon his death, Hiru News described Fernando as "a legend in the industry".[1]