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My Story
My Story
A Legacy Brewed with Passion
My Journey from Sri Lanka’s Tea Hills to 50 Acres.
Rooted in Tradition, Guided by Heritage
I come from a family of tea growers with a remarkable lineage spanning 80 years and three generations, situated in the scenic region of Southern Sri Lanka. My identity is deeply rooted in family farming, which we hold dear as our heritage, our pride, and our way of life.
Some of my earliest memories are of running and playing up and down the rolling hills of my grandparents’ tea estates. They owned lands of tea fields and rice paddies. I would weave through the tea bushes, pretending to pluck the tender leaves, nibbling on them with childish curiosity. I’d eavesdrop on my grandparents’ conversations with the estate superintendent and workers, their voices carrying the weight of wisdom and tradition. Every day, trucks rumbled in to collect the freshly plucked tea, and I’d hop aboard for playful rides, the scent of tea leaves filling the air. My parents and grandparents were deeply connected to factory owners and tea brewers. I would never miss a chance to tag along to their factories, soaking in their discussions about craft, flavor, and care.
Then came a turning point. After high school, my father—ever the planner—decided I should study business. He had a vision: I’d attend university in the United States. In our culture, children honor their parents’ wishes, and so I went. Arriving in the U.S., I found myself captivated by a new way of life. I built an affinity for it and, after my studies, chose to stay. But the memories of Sri Lanka’s tea hills never faded—they lingered like the aroma of a freshly brewed cup.
The Birth of 50 Acres
During my corporate career in the U.S., those childhood moments tugged at my heart. The best decision I made was to visit Sri Lanka once or twice a year, keeping my ties to home alive. Those trips were a lifeline, a reminder of where I belonged.
In 2020, when the world paused and life shifted for us all, I saw an opportunity. Ever the optimist, I decided to chase a dream I’d nurtured for years: to create the perfect tea blend.
By then, I’d grown familiar with American tastes, but travel restrictions delayed my plans. It wasn’t until 2022 that I took the leap, boarding a flight to Sri Lanka to rekindle my ambition.
What followed was a joyous adventure. Alongside friends, I dove into the art of blending tea with Sri Lanka’s abundant fruits and native plants. we roamed through the vairiteis of tea leaves, handpicking ingredients, experimenting with flavors, and laughing through the process. After countless trials, we crafted a collection of extraordinary tea blends—each one bursting with unique taste and brimming with health benefits.
These blends became the soul of my passion project: 50 Acres, my own private tea collection born from heritage and heart.
My journey reflects a beautiful blend of two worlds. My Sri Lankan roots gave me a deep cultural foundation, while my years with a remarkable American company instilled in me a philosophy of ethics and integrity. Together, they inspired the guiding principles behind 50 Acres—a company that honors tradition, celebrates innovation, and shares the love of tea with the world.
If you have questions
we are here
we are here
+1 404-993-5336
Info@50acres.com
A Cup of Purpose: More Than Just Tea
Every sip of 50 Acres tells a story—of family, of home, and of a dream steeped in 80 years of legacy. I hope it warms your heart as much as it does mine.
50 Acres is more than just tea. It is a promise. My business thrives on five core values: Integrity, Respect, Perseverance, Collaboration, and Leadership. (Curious about what these mean to me? I’ve poured my heart into a blog post just for that—give it a read!)
We pour our hearts and souls into sustainable, environmentally conscious methods, ensuring every cup delights our customers while honoring the earth. And because community is at the core of who I am, I’ve pledged 10% of our pre-tax revenue to charitable causes in Sri Lanka and the U.S. Efforts that uplift children and enrich the lives of those around us. It’s my way of giving back to the lands and people who shaped me.
