The American Alumni Association of Sri Lanka (AAA SL) is pleased to announce that it has secured a significant donation of 40 metric tons of rice from Bridgeforth Farms in Alabama, USA. The rice will benefit 4,000 households, providing support to disadvantaged urban families and emphasizing the compassion and unity between the United States and Sri Lanka.

The Donor – Bridgeforth Farms, a Black-owned 10,000 acre farm in North Alabama, was established in 1877 by George Bridgeforth Sr. and has continued its legacy under the stewardship of Billy and Gregory Bridgeforth. The farm cultivates Rice, wheat, other grains, along with regenerative cotton, which they are in discussion to supply the global clothing brand Victoria’s Secret (VS)

The Project – was Initiated by Mark Neuman; a global trade advisor to VS and a long term friend and supporter of the Sri Lankan apparel industry. Mark is a protégé of the renowned Martin Trust who is widely considered to be the “father of the modern Sri Lankan apparel Industry”. When Billy Bridgeforth asked Mark Neuman about opportunities to share his rice around the world with those in need, knowing Sri Lanka well, and the critical needs faced by much of the urban migrant population in Colombo, during this current financial and agricultural crisis, Mark reached out to Prasanna Hettiarachchi – Managing Director Saaraketha Holdings with whom Mark shared a long-standing relationship and had worked successfully together with the former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Washington Devinda Subasinghe on delivering relief supplies following the Boxing Day Tsunami. Mark was confident that Sri Lanka had the right partners on the ground to ensure that the food would be delivered to people who needed it most.

Collaborating with Billy Bridgeforth, the AAA Board, friends of Sri Lanka, the Presidential Secretariat, Disaster Management Center (designated as consignee) and logsistics partner GAC, and a team led by AAA, successfully brought the consignment of rice to the deserving beneficiaries; and together with DMC will oversee the distribution in the urban districts of Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara and Galle. The AAA SL, composed of American alumni residing in Sri Lanka, takes great pride in leveraging their networks, experiences, and their spirit of giving to make a meaningful impact on the lives of disadvantaged families in urban areas.

To commemorate this occasion, the AAA SL hosted a press conference and a token giveaway event on May 31st at Mihilaka Madura – BMICH. Distinguished guests, including Her Excellency US Ambassador Julie Chung, the Hon. Director General DMC Maj General Sudantha Ranasinghe, Mr. K. D. Wijesiri – GA Colombo District, Dumindra Ratnayake – Chairman Suwaseriya Foundation, the board and members of the American Alumni Association, as well as invited guests, friends, and recipients, were in attendance.

Speaking at the briefing Ambassador said – “The ties between the United States and Sri Lanka are deep. I’m grateful to the Bridgeforths and all the donors, including the American Alumni Association, who contributed to bring this American rice to Sri Lankan people in need. This tremendous effort is a testament to our two countries’ partnership and our connectedness, which go well beyond the 75 years of diplomatic relations that we’re celebrating this year.”

The AAA SL extends heartfelt gratitude to Bridgeforth Farms in Alabama, Mark Neuman for his continued support to Sri Lanka, network of Mark’s friends in Sri Lanka who gave generously to fund the freight costs and to GAC logistics who handled the freight and distribution. The AAA SL recognizes all those involved in this project for their incredible generosity and unwavering commitment to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Their donation exemplifies the power of collaboration and its potential impact on communities.