The Bridging the Gap Foundation (BGF)

is a non-profit and non-governmental organization with a novel approach to development that emphasizes good governance as the key to the creation of an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient Sri Lankan society .

About Us

It uses cohesive approach

Instead of a sectoral approach, to development issues as all economic, social, and environmental challenges facing countries are interlinked and interdependent

It helps build

The capability of marginalized segments of communities to stand on their own feet rather than “just giving away” which cannot be sustained in the long run. It promotes the premise that “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”

It addresses

Root causes directly instead of fighting only the symptoms.

BGF strives for a Sri Lankan future where everyone has the opportunity to enjoy a long life with decent living standards

BGF engages in interventions that produce tangible impacts on the millions of marginalized and underprivileged individuals and societies in Sri Lanka.

OUR DEVELOPMENT MODEL

BGF believes that the best way to promote development is by bridging the gaps that are in the way of progress.

These gaps come in many forms, from financial to material, technological to informational, and beyond. When looking at new issues and problems, we begin with a thorough gap assessment. Our assessments give us evidence of needs and guide us on how best to address a gap. With a clear image of the gaps at hand, we proceed to analyze the root causes of each gap, which enables us to provide tailor-made interventions that perfectly match the unique needs of each target society. A deep understanding of the gaps also enables us to match the needs of the local beneficiaries with regional and home-grown solutions.

BGF is governed by a well-qualified Board of Directors under the guidance of an advisory council and supported by an experienced team of staff. The projects of BGF are sponsored by individual supporters, development organizations, and private sector. The bank accounts of BGF are managed by a qualified accountant and are audited periodically under the direct supervision of the Board of Directors.

Dr. Ravi Ratnayake – Chairman / Secretary genaral

Ph.D. in Economics (La Trobe University, Australia), Postgraduate Diploma in Economic Development, Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Economics

Dr. Ravi Ratnayake is a renowned international economist with over 30 years of experience in international trade, investment, and business. He was a former Chief Economist and Director of Trade and Investment of United Nations for Asia-Pacific Region (ESCAP). He was an economic advisor to many developing countries including Sri Lanka. He was a consultant to the World Bank, United Nations, ADB, USAID, and a Professor/Senior Lecturer in Economics, Korea University, and the University of Auckland. He authored many publications in economics. He was also a Director at the Ministry of Finance, Sri Lanka.

Our main focus areas are

poverty alleviation | education | health | governance practices

because we believe that within these areas lie the widest development gaps and the greatest potential to bridge them. We focus on these areas for the benefit of and together with our target groups include marginalized people such as children, the disabled and the aging population

Projects

Vidya For Life(Sisu Diriya)

To give hope for a better life to unprivileged kids through education while safeguarding their dignity and self-esteem.

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Thaksalawa

To improve students' knowledge of disadvantaged schools, particularly in English and IT, by enabling them to capture emerging global opportunities.

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