Abstract:
Regional Development Approach has become a major development strategy
in developing countries. It can be observed that the gem industry contributed
in many ways to the development of many parts of Sri Lanka. The main
objective of this study is to evaluate the contribution of the Gem Industry in
the development of the Rathnapura Divisional Secretariat Division. Field data
were collected from the Ketaliyanpalla and Angammana GNDs area, to make
decisions on this data the relevant books and records published, were referred.
Data analyzed with GIS data and Excel. The results of the research are
presented in reports, charts, and maps. The gem industry has contributed to
the employment generation and income generation of local development.
Therefore, the contribution of the gem industry to the development of the area
should be increased. Also, the workers in the gem industry need to be provided
with proper training and the use of income saving to improve the economic
status of the gem industry.