to 2012 census data is Sinhalese 111,039 (95.88%), Muslims 4,296 (3.71%), Tamils 326 (0.28%), Others 144 (0.12%).

Etymology

Consisting of two elements, the term Matara gives its meaning as the Great Ferry, that may be the meaning "great seaport" or "great fortress". It is also thought as being derived from the mispronunciation of the word 'Matora' by the Portuguese who called it 'Mature' or Maturai in 1672. The native word 'Matora' might also derived from 'Maha Tera' meaning the place where the Great River was crossed.

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