Kalutara

Kalutara, town, southwestern Sri Lanka. The town, situated on the coast, at the estuary of the Kalu River, is a fishing and trade centre. The local craft is making rope, baskets, and other articles from the fibre of the coconut palm. A Portuguese fort in Kalutara surrendered to the Dutch in 1655 without a shot being fired; it was later enlarged by the conquering Dutch. In addition to its fibre crafts, the area produces arrack (an alcoholic beverage distilled from malted rice mash and molasses) and mangosteen, a reddish-brown fruit that is valued for its juicy, delicate texture and its slightly astringent flavour. Pop. (2012) 32,417.