Matara

The inaugural Regional Office (RO) of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), Regional Office (RO) Matara was ceremonially opened in Matara on 29th March, 1981 with a view of encourage and promote of the development of the productive resources of the respective regions. Further, through the establishment of RO-Matara, CBSL initially encouraged licensed commercial banks to penetrate deep into the rural areas to cater the banking needs of grass-root level people. One of major activity undertaken by the RO right after the launched was implementation of the Self-Employment Scheme targeting youth and the Village Adoption Scheme (VAS).

Since its inception, the RO was committed to serving the grass-root level by promoting the development and stability of the regional economy while conducting various awareness programmes and training programmes, trade fairs, technology transfers and exposure visits for the benefit of entrepreneurs.

Initially, Matara, Hambanthota and Monaragala districts were under the purview of RO/Matara, but geographical area allocated to the RO was clustered in different ways time- to-time, with the objective of enhancing the productivity of the functions conducted. At present, Galle, Matara, Hambanthota and Rathnapura districts are overlooking by the RO/Matara

Right after the inception, RO – Matara acted as a regional clearing house until the functions are automated and handled currency operations since 1999, till the commercial banks takeover the function. Apart from that, RO – Matara plays an important role in extending Central Bank services at the regional level. Importantly, RO - Matara is responsible for the maintenance of a currency museum that showcases the rich history and evolution of Sri Lanka's currency. It was opened in 2010, allowing visitors to witness the diverse notes and coins issued by the Central Bank over the years.