Mar 24, Colombo: Ministry of Nation Building and Estate Infrastructure Development in Sri Lanka say the government has allocated 2.5 billion rupees for the expedited development projects in the Southern Province.

According to the Ministry sources, the money is to be utilized in 2,122 identified Grama Niladhari Divisions in three districts, under the Gama Neguma programme. The program expected to be completed before the year end targets infrastructure development, livelihood projects and education initiatives aimed at spiritual development.

The development process is to be carried out in 896 Grama Niladhari divisions in Galle, 650 in Matara and 576 in the Hambantota districts, sources said.

The main focus of the programme would be on livelihood projects, with the setting up of industries using locally based material in remote villages to provide viable income earning opportunities for the rural community, the government announced.