The river Nilwala has fertilized the whole area where one can see the stretch of paddy fields and tea estates with plantation of spices also taking an important place. The sandy and safe beaches are an asset in this area where fishing industry too is flourishing providing a source of income and supply of fish. The combination 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 divided 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 centre 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. Prominent writers and patriotic leaders like Anagarika Dharmapala & Kumaratunga Munidasa hail from Matara and their service to the society and the nation is still remembered with much reverence. History provides sufficient evidence to prove that many reputed personalities from Matara had contributed greatly to the cause of Buddhism. Thank you very much for visiting this web page and hope you will visit Matara city and see for yourself the splendour of the city.