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Matara is located in the southern region of Sri Lanka . Distance from Colombo is 160 kilometers. River Nilwala runs through the city and cascade into the sea. The past of Matara dates back to the Anuradhapura age. Matara is full of natural picturesque beauty, which is an attraction to the travelers.The river Nilwala has fertilized the entire region where one can see the widen paddy meadows and tea estates with plantation of spices also taking an imperative place. The sandy and safe beaches are an advantage in this vicinity where fishing trade is booming providing a source of revenue and supply of fish.
The grouping of these multi faceted natural resources has made Matara a popular tourist resort. Matara city area with 8.8 square kilometers in extent. It is separated into fifteen wards or local units for the purpose of local administration. It has a population of about 76493 and the temperature is 30c.
This city can be considered as a hub in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. Because the Southern Province consists of three districts and the city of Matara stands in between Galle and Hambantota, which are the other districts of Southern Province. Well-known writers and patriotic leaders like Anagarika Dharmapala & Kumaratunga Munidasa sleet from Matara and their service to the society and the nation is still be memorized with much respect. The past provides enough proof to prove that many reputed personalities from Matara had donated greatly to the cause of Buddhism.
Today's Matara consists of tall buildings with many business activities with many reputed companies from Colombo having their branches in the city. The bus terminal facing the sea beach provides many services for the passengers who come in and out of the city with state as well as private transport.The Postal Complex is another center of service near to the bus terminal that offers a wide range of service in the communication field such as international Direct Dial (IDD) services, e-mail, fax etc., there are also a few agency post offices functioned by the private sectors offering similar facilities. Sanath Jayasuriya Ground, which stands by the bus terminal and the Uyanwatta International Stadium, provides sufficient recreation facilities.
This Post Office Complex was opened in 2000 and it consists of all the modern amenities such as email, fax, photo copying etc Ruhunu Cultural Centre located at Nupe Matara was constructed newly and it provides facilities for dramas, cultural activities etc .
Traveling from Colombo to Matara can be made either by train or by air-conditioned buses. While there are, only a limited number of buses and trains are available every 30 minutes. Both the trips take about four hours. Matara is the last railway station where the railway lines end in the South. Bus rout and the railway lines run parallel through the southern coastal sea beach at your right hand side. Distance between the railway station and the main bus stand is about 500 meters.
The accepted mode of transport in the city is "Three Wheelers". Apart from this, there are cars and vans for hire. The traditional styles of traveling by bull carts are also accessible. Hotels of all the grades are also available within the city. Almost all the state and private banks have their branches. While the State Post Office provides postal facility, private agency post offices are also working. Cyber cafes with e-mail and internet services are also accessible. The town is occupied with shopping outlets for any essential necessities. Sinhalese is the Main Language spoken here, but you will be able to handle yourself with English.
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