- the Palmyrah Development Board has established a Palmyrah Model Farm in a land of approximately 23 acres in the Hambantota District.  The proposal made by Hon. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development, to make available half of the extent of the land for the Export Production Village functioning under the Hambantota Development Foundation, for the cultivation of vegetables and fruits, where a large number of females from adjoining areas have been provided employment,  was approved by the Cabinet.