Twenty six villages in the Hambantota district will be developed under the Jathika Saviya, Gama Neguma programme, Southern Development Authority (SDA) District Director Hambantota, Kapila Masakorala said. He was addressing a meting that followed the inauguration of the construction work of housing schemes for lower income group families at Palathuduwa and Thalunna villages in Tangalle DS area. He said those living in temporary houses will be awarded Rs. 100,000 each to build houses. In the meantime, unemployed youth will be awarded tool kits and apparatus to begin self employment. The District Director SDA said that for the development of 26 villages, Rs. 28 million will be allocated. He said various programmes will be implemented to enhance the livelihood development activities of the people.