Matara

Description

Matara is a city on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, 160 km from Colombo. It is one of the largest cities in Sri Lanka.

Matara which is 160 km beyond from Colombo, is one of the main cities of Southern Region. It is situated by the side of river Nilvala. At present the costal railway line is terminated in Matara.

In ancient time it was called as "Mahathota". It was originated due to big way of crossing the river Nilvala.

The west part of the district is in the Wet Zone and the remain is in the Dry Zone. The economy is mainly based on Tea, Rubber, Coconut, Paddy cultivation and fishing industry.