About: Matara is a major city located in the southern coast of Sri Lanka, in the Matara District of the Southern Province. It is about 160 kilometers south of Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, and is connected by the Southern Expressway, making it easily accessible from Colombo. Matara is one of the oldest cities in Sri Lanka and has a rich cultural and historical heritage. The city has been an important center of trade and commerce since ancient times due to its strategic location on the coast. The Dutch established a fort in Matara in the 17th century, which was later taken over by the British. Also spelled as: mathara mtara Dickwella dikwella miriswatta Sub Cities: Matara City|Kamburugamuwa|Kamburupitiya|Hakmana|Makandura