Arrangements have been made to develop 42 backward villages in Athuraliya, Hakmana and Mulatiyana Divisional Secretariat areas in the Matara district under the Gemi Diriya development project. Funds amounting to Rs. 90 million has been set aside under the project improve infrastructure facilities and to upgrade the livelihood activities and vocational skills in this 42 backward villages in the three Divisional Secretariat areas, according to the Matara District Officer of Gemi Diriya project, K. Jayamuni. Out of the total amount of funds, Rs. 38 million has been allocated to develop backward villages in the Hakmana Divisional Secretariat area, Rs. 34 million to Mulatiyana division and Rs. 19 million for the Athuraliya Divisional Secretariat Division.