Kalutara Sri Lanka aerial view of palm-lined west coast beach with golden sand, calm Indian Ocean and Kalutara bridge in the distance at golden hour
Kalutara · Sri Lanka west coast hotels

Best Hotels in KalutaraWhere to Stay by Beach, Area & Travel Style

Kalutara is one of Sri Lanka's most accessible west coast hotel destinations — known for beach resorts, family-friendly hotels, wedding venues, luxury coastal stays, short breaks from Colombo, Kalutara Bodhiya and easy access to Wadduwa, Beruwala, Moragalla and Bentota. The right hotel depends on whether you want beachfront resort space, a wedding-friendly venue, a quieter coastal base, or a short Colombo-side beach break.

Compare Kalutara Areas

Independent hotel guides, area comparisons and booking-friendly recommendations from Hoteli.com.

  • Area-based hotel guidance
  • No fake reviews
  • Booking partner links
  • Updated May 2026

Where to stay

Where Should You Stay in Kalutara?

A practical breakdown of the main Kalutara hotel areas — what each one is genuinely good for, what to watch out for and which travelers it tends to suit. Beach access, resort feel, wedding suitability and Colombo travel time change a lot from one stretch of coast to the next.

Kalutara Beach Sri Lanka long west coast golden sandy beach with tall coconut palms, calm Indian Ocean waves and beachfront resort buildings behind the palmsKalutara · Kalutara Beach

Kalutara Beach

Yes
Best for:
First-time visitors, beach resorts, family trips, couples, short breaks and the classic Kalutara coastal stay
Hotel style:
Beach resorts, mid-range and premium beachfront hotels, family-friendly stays and a handful of luxury coastal properties
Best trip type:
Family beach holidays, couples' breaks, short Colombo-side beach stops, classic west coast hotel stays
Booking note:
Not every 'Kalutara Beach' listing is directly beachfront. Confirm exactly which side of the road the property is on and whether beach access is private or shared.
See hotel ideas West coast Sri Lanka
Kalutara town Sri Lanka view of the iconic white Kalutara Bodhiya stupa near the bridge with palm trees, road traffic and local town atmosphere at golden hourKalutara · Kalutara Town / Kalutara South

Kalutara Town / Kalutara South

Depends
Best for:
Transport, local convenience, budget stays, shops, Kalutara Bodhiya access and practical short stays
Hotel style:
Town hotels, simple guesthouses and value mid-range stays — usually not directly beachfront
Best trip type:
Budget travelers, transport-focused stays, pilgrims visiting Kalutara Bodhiya, road-trippers needing a practical base
Booking note:
Kalutara town is practical but doesn't feel like a resort. Choose it for transport and Bodhiya access — not for a beach holiday.
See hotel ideas West coast Sri Lanka
Wadduwa Sri Lanka quiet long sandy west coast beach lined with tall coconut palms, beach resort with thatched umbrellas and pool visible behind palms at golden hourKalutara · Wadduwa

Wadduwa

Yes
Best for:
Colombo-side access, beach resorts, weddings, family hotels, short beach breaks and a quieter base north of Kalutara
Hotel style:
Larger beach resorts, family hotels, wedding-friendly venues and a handful of premium coastal stays
Best trip type:
Wedding stays, family resort holidays, short Colombo-side beach breaks, airport-side first/last nights
Booking note:
Wadduwa is closer to Colombo than Kalutara town and good for wedding/family resorts. Confirm transfer time from Bandaranaike airport before booking.
See hotel ideas West coast Sri Lanka
Beruwala Sri Lanka large beach resort area with long sandy beach, low-rise resort hotels behind palm trees and calm Indian Ocean on a sunny tropical dayKalutara · Beruwala

Beruwala

Yes
Best for:
Larger resort stays, beach holidays, family trips and travelers comparing Kalutara with a more resort-heavy nearby area
Hotel style:
Large beach resorts, all-inclusive-style stays, family hotels and a few premium coastal properties on the bay
Best trip type:
Resort holidays, family beach trips, longer west coast stays, package-style beach breaks
Booking note:
Beruwala is south of Kalutara and feels more resort-led. Choose Beruwala for big-resort facilities — choose Kalutara Beach for a more local hotel scene.
See hotel ideas West coast Sri Lanka
Moragalla Sri Lanka quiet west coast beach between Beruwala and Bentota with tall palm trees, soft golden sand, calm turquoise sea and a small boutique hotel behind palmsKalutara · Moragalla

Moragalla

Yes
Best for:
Quieter beach hotels, couples, small families and a relaxed coastal base between Beruwala and Bentota
Hotel style:
Boutique beach hotels, small resorts, mid-range coastal stays and a few villa-style properties
Best trip type:
Couples' beach stays, slower trips, smaller-scale resort holidays, travelers wanting a calmer west coast feel
Booking note:
Moragalla is calmer than Beruwala's main resort strip. Confirm exact beach access — some properties are across the railway line from the sand.
See hotel ideas West coast Sri Lanka
Bentota Sri Lanka classic west coast beach resort with river meeting ocean, palm-lined sandbar, luxury resort with pool and palm trees on a sunny tropical afternoonKalutara · Bentota Comparison

Bentota Comparison

Yes
Best for:
Travelers comparing Kalutara with a higher-end beach base with river access and classic resort atmosphere
Hotel style:
Premium beach resorts, river-side villas, luxury coastal hotels and longer-stay villa rentals
Best trip type:
Honeymoons, classic resort beach holidays, longer family stays, river-and-beach combination trips
Booking note:
Bentota is around 30–45 minutes south of Kalutara. Choose Bentota for resort-and-river — choose Kalutara if Colombo access matters more than the river scene.
See hotel ideas West coast Sri Lanka
Payagala Maggona Sri Lanka quiet local west coast village beach with coconut palms, simple painted fishing boats, golden sand and modest local guesthouses behind palmsKalutara · Payagala / Maggona Side

Payagala / Maggona Side

Depends
Best for:
Quieter local coastal stays, value hotels and travelers who prefer less developed beach areas south of Kalutara
Hotel style:
Family-run guesthouses, simple coastal stays, a handful of mid-range hotels and village-feel beach properties
Best trip type:
Slow stays, budget beach trips, longer remote-work stays, road-trippers wanting a non-resort feel
Booking note:
Standards vary on this stretch. Check recent guest feedback for cleanliness, AC, hot water and how far the property really is from a swim-friendly beach.
See hotel ideas West coast Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka west coast highway between Colombo and Kalutara with palm trees, distant ocean glimpses, modern road and warm afternoon light with beach resort signageKalutara · Colombo / Airport Route

Colombo / Airport Route

Yes
Best for:
Travelers using Kalutara as a beach stop before or after Colombo, with hotel choice tied to road transfer time
Hotel style:
Mid-range and premium beach hotels along the southern expressway exit corridor and the Galle Road coastal strip
Best trip type:
First/last-night beach stops, short Colombo escapes, business-leisure stays, airport-side beach breaks
Booking note:
Bandaranaike airport is north of Colombo, so transfers to Kalutara can be 90–120 minutes in traffic. Confirm transfer arrangements before booking late flights.
See hotel ideas West coast Sri Lanka
Beach wedding venue at a Kalutara Sri Lanka west coast resort with white draped wedding gazebo on golden sand, palm trees and warm sunset lightKalutara · Wedding & Event Hotels

Wedding & Event Hotels

Yes
Best for:
Couples planning beach weddings, vow renewals, family celebration stays and group bookings on the west coast
Hotel style:
Larger beach resorts with wedding packages, ballroom or beach-pavilion venues and dedicated event teams
Best trip type:
Destination weddings, vow renewals, family group bookings, milestone celebration stays
Booking note:
Wedding inclusions, dates, minimum guest counts and venue exclusivity vary widely. Always confirm in writing with the hotel's events team before paying a deposit.
See hotel ideas West coast Sri Lanka
Family resort pool in Kalutara Sri Lanka with palm trees around the deck, large blue pool, sun loungers and low-rise tropical resort building on a sunny dayKalutara · Family Resort Pool Areas

Family Resort Pool Areas

Yes
Best for:
Families with kids, multi-generation trips, longer pool-and-beach stays and travelers prioritising resort facilities
Hotel style:
Mid-range and premium beach resorts with kid-friendly pools, family rooms, buffet meal plans and on-site activities
Best trip type:
Family beach holidays, school-holiday trips, multi-generation stays, longer all-inclusive-style breaks
Booking note:
Pool size, kids' pool depth, family room capacity and meal plans vary a lot. Confirm room layout, beach safety and child policies before booking.
See hotel ideas West coast Sri Lanka
Family-run guesthouse near Kalutara Sri Lanka with simple painted bungalow, leafy garden, mango tree, palm trees and parked scooter in casual local atmosphereKalutara · Local Guesthouse Areas

Local Guesthouse Areas

Depends
Best for:
Backpackers, value travelers, longer slow stays and travelers happy with simple rooms a short walk or tuk-tuk from the beach
Hotel style:
Family-run guesthouses, simple budget rooms and basic mid-range stays scattered through the back lanes around Kalutara, Wadduwa and Payagala
Best trip type:
Budget stays, longer remote-work trips, solo travelers and value-focused west coast itineraries
Booking note:
Excellent value but standards vary. Check recent guest feedback for AC, hot water, cleanliness, road noise and exact walking time to the beach.
See hotel ideas West coast Sri Lanka

By traveler type

Best Kalutara Hotel Areas by Traveler Type

Practical guidance on which Kalutara areas tend to suit different kinds of trips. Use it as a starting point, then compare specific hotels.

First-time visitors

Kalutara BeachKalutara resort areasWadduwa

First-time visitors usually do best on Kalutara Beach or Wadduwa for direct beach access and resort facilities. Two or three nights is usually enough for a focused beach stay.

Families

Kalutara BeachWadduwaBeruwalaResorts with pools

Families generally prefer larger resorts on Kalutara Beach, Wadduwa or Beruwala for pools, family rooms and buffet meal plans. Confirm beach safety, room size and kids' pool depth before booking.

Couples

Kalutara BeachMoragallaQuieter coastal hotels

Couples often prefer quieter stretches like Moragalla or selected boutique hotels along Kalutara Beach. Look for sea-view rooms, a small pool or garden privacy for the slower part of the trip.

Budget travelers

Kalutara TownKalutara SouthPayagala / Maggona side

Budget travelers do well in Kalutara town, Kalutara South or Payagala. Confirm AC, cleanliness, hot water, transport access and walking time to a swim-friendly beach.

Luxury travelers

Kalutara BeachWadduwaBentota comparisonSelected resort areas

Luxury travelers usually compare premium beach resorts on Kalutara Beach and Wadduwa with Bentota's higher-end villa-and-river stays. Confirm room category, sea view, meal plan and cancellation terms.

Wedding & event travelers

WadduwaKalutara BeachLarger resort hotels

Wedding and event travelers usually base at larger Wadduwa or Kalutara Beach resorts with dedicated event teams. Confirm dates, inclusions, guest minimums and venue exclusivity in writing before booking.

Short Colombo beach breaks

WadduwaKalutara BeachRoad-access resorts

For a short Colombo-side beach break, Wadduwa and Kalutara Beach are the easiest bases. Confirm travel time from Colombo or Bandaranaike airport before booking late arrivals.

West coast route travelers

KalutaraBeruwalaBentotaColombo-access hotels

Travelers driving the west coast usually combine Kalutara with Beruwala, Moragalla and Bentota. Each has a different feel — Kalutara local, Beruwala resort-led, Bentota premium-and-river.

Side-by-side

Popular Kalutara Hotel Areas Compared

A quick comparison of the main Kalutara hotel areas. Price labels are general budget bands rather than exact rates, since hotel prices change with season and demand.

Kalutara Beach

Mid-range / Premium
Best for:
First-time visitors, family resorts, beach holidays
Hotel style:
Beach resorts, mid-range and premium beachfront hotels
First-time visitors:
Yes — most popular base

Kalutara Town / Kalutara South

Budget / Mid-range
Best for:
Transport, value, Kalutara Bodhiya access
Hotel style:
Town hotels, guesthouses, simple mid-range stays
First-time visitors:
Depends — practical, not resort

Wadduwa

Mid-range / Premium
Best for:
Colombo access, weddings, family resorts
Hotel style:
Larger beach resorts, family hotels, wedding venues
First-time visitors:
Yes — easy Colombo-side base

Beruwala

Mid-range / Premium
Best for:
Larger resorts, family holidays, longer stays
Hotel style:
Large beach resorts, all-inclusive-style stays, family hotels
First-time visitors:
Yes — resort-led

Moragalla

Mid-range / Premium
Best for:
Quieter couples' stays, small families
Hotel style:
Boutique beach hotels, small resorts, mid-range coastal stays
First-time visitors:
Yes — calmer than Beruwala

Bentota Comparison

Premium / Luxury
Best for:
Premium resorts, river-and-beach combinations
Hotel style:
Premium beach resorts, river villas, luxury coastal hotels
First-time visitors:
Yes — separate base

Payagala / Maggona Side

Budget / Mid-range
Best for:
Value, quieter local beach stays
Hotel style:
Family-run guesthouses, simple coastal stays, small hotels
First-time visitors:
Depends — quieter and simpler

Colombo / Airport Route

Mid-range / Premium
Best for:
First/last-night beach stops
Hotel style:
Mid-range and premium hotels along the coastal strip
First-time visitors:
Yes — practical stop

Local Guesthouse Areas

Budget
Best for:
Backpackers, value travelers, longer stays
Hotel style:
Family-run guesthouses, simple rooms, basic mid-range stays
First-time visitors:
Depends — friendly but basic

West Coast Resort Areas

Mid-range / Luxury
Best for:
Resort-style holidays, family trips, longer west coast stays
Hotel style:
Larger beach resorts, premium coastal hotels, family-friendly stays
First-time visitors:
Yes — classic west coast base

Budget bands shown as Budget · Mid-range · Premium · Luxury — not exact prices.

Hotel ideas

Hotel Ideas in Kalutara to Start Your Search

A starter shortlist of Kalutara-area hotel ideas across Kalutara Beach, Wadduwa, Beruwala and Waskaduwa. Use these as reference points for the kind of property each area is known for, then confirm the latest details with the booking provider before reserving.

Anantara Kalutara Resort area Sri Lanka with palm-lined beach, sea view and resort-style atmosphere on the west coastKalutara Beach

Anantara Kalutara Resort

Best for: Couples and travelers wanting a premium beachfront stay

Why consider it: Often referenced as a premium beachfront option in Kalutara, between the river and the ocean — useful for travelers prioritising sea-view rooms and full resort facilities.

What to check: Room category, sea-view vs. river-view, breakfast inclusions, pool access and current spa and dining options before booking.

Beach Pool Spa Sea view Restaurant
Turyaa Kalutara family resort area with large blue pool, sun loungers, palm trees and tropical resort buildings on the west coast of Sri LankaWadduwa / Kalutara stretch

Turyaa Kalutara

Best for: Family beach holidays and longer resort stays

Why consider it: A useful reference for travelers wanting a larger family-friendly resort with pools and beachfront access on the Wadduwa-Kalutara coast.

What to check: Family room layout, kids' pool depth, meal plan options, beach safety and exact location on the coastal strip.

Family rooms Pool Beach Restaurant
Tangerine Beach Hotel area Kalutara Sri Lanka with golden sandy beach, palm trees and beachfront resort facadeKalutara Beach

Tangerine Beach Hotel

Best for: Classic mid-range beachfront stays

Why consider it: A long-running reference for travelers wanting a classic Kalutara beachfront hotel with direct beach access and mid-range resort facilities.

What to check: Room category, beachfront vs. road-side, breakfast inclusions, pool condition and recent guest feedback in season.

Beach Pool Breakfast Restaurant
Royal Palms Beach Hotel area Kalutara Sri Lanka with palm-lined pool deck, sun loungers and family-friendly resort atmosphereKalutara Beach

Royal Palms Beach Hotel

Best for: Family-friendly beachfront stays

Why consider it: Worth comparing for families wanting a beachfront resort on the main Kalutara strip with pool and meal plan options.

What to check: Family rooms, pool depth, beach safety, meal plan inclusions and any minimum-stay requirements in season.

Family rooms Pool Beach Breakfast
Avani Kalutara Resort area Sri Lanka with modern beachfront design, palm trees, golden sand and resort pool deckKalutara Beach

Avani Kalutara Resort

Best for: Couples and modern beachfront stays

Why consider it: A reference for travelers wanting a more design-led modern resort on Kalutara Beach with pool and direct beach access.

What to check: Sea-view vs. garden rooms, pool size, breakfast inclusions and how the property handles transfers from Colombo or the airport.

Beach Pool Modern Sea view
Mermaid Hotel and Club area near Kalutara and Wadduwa Sri Lanka with palm-lined beach, beachfront resort and tropical atmosphereKalutara / Wadduwa

Mermaid Hotel & Club

Best for: Mid-range family beach stays

Why consider it: Often referenced as a mid-range family resort along the Kalutara-Wadduwa stretch with pool and beach access.

What to check: Room category, family room layout, pool condition, meal plan options and beach safety in season.

Family rooms Pool Beach Restaurant
Club Waskaduwa Beach Resort and Spa area Sri Lanka with long sandy beach, palm trees and resort buildings on the west coastWaskaduwa / Wadduwa side

Club Waskaduwa Beach Resort & Spa

Best for: Spa-focused and longer family stays

Why consider it: Worth considering for travelers wanting a larger beach resort with spa and pool facilities along the Waskaduwa-Wadduwa stretch.

What to check: Spa policies, family rooms, pool depth, meal plans, beach safety and exact location on the coastal strip.

Beach Pool Spa Family rooms
Taprobana Wadduwa area Sri Lanka with palm-lined beach, sunset wedding gazebo and romantic west coast resort atmosphereWadduwa

Taprobana Wadduwa

Best for: Wedding and couples' beachfront stays

Why consider it: A useful reference for couples and wedding stays on the Wadduwa coast, with beachfront access and a more boutique-leaning atmosphere.

What to check: Wedding inclusions, dates, beachfront access, sea-view rooms and any minimum-stay requirements in season.

Beach Couples Boutique Sea view

Hotel details, facilities, prices, beach access, room types, wedding/event policies and booking terms can change. Always check the latest information with the booking provider before reserving. We don't publish reviews or ratings here, and we don't claim to have personally stayed at every property listed.

Planning guide

How to Choose the Right Hotel in Kalutara

Where you base yourself shapes the trip more than any single hotel. These notes cover what each Kalutara-area neighbourhood is genuinely good for, so you can match the area to your trip first, then pick the property.

01

Choose Kalutara Beach if you want a classic west coast beach resort stay

Kalutara Beach is the most popular base for first-time visitors and family beach trips, with a mix of mid-range and premium beachfront hotels. Confirm whether the property is genuinely beachfront before booking.

02

Choose Kalutara town if transport, local access and value matter more

Kalutara town is practical for transport, local shops and Kalutara Bodhiya access, but most properties are not beachfront. Choose town stays for short, practical visits rather than a beach holiday.

03

Choose Wadduwa if Colombo access, weddings or short breaks matter

Wadduwa is closer to Colombo, with several wedding-friendly resorts and family hotels. Good for short Colombo-side beach breaks and destination wedding stays — confirm transfer time from the airport.

04

Choose Beruwala if larger beach resorts and family holidays matter

Beruwala feels more resort-led than Kalutara town, with several large beach hotels suited to longer family stays. Choose it if big-resort facilities matter more than a local hotel feel.

05

Choose Moragalla if a quieter coastal feel matters

Moragalla sits between Beruwala and Bentota and feels calmer than the main Beruwala strip. Good for couples and small families. Confirm exact beach access — some properties are across the railway line.

06

Choose Bentota if river access and classic resort atmosphere matter more than Kalutara itself

Bentota is the west coast's classic premium resort area, with river-and-beach combinations and longer-stay villa rentals. Choose Bentota for the river scene — choose Kalutara for Colombo access.

07

Choose Payagala or Maggona if value and quieter local beach areas matter

Payagala and Maggona are quieter local stretches with simpler guesthouses and small hotels. Confirm cleanliness, AC and how far the property really is from a swim-friendly beach.

08

Choose carefully if a listing says Kalutara but is closer to Wadduwa, Beruwala or Bentota

Many properties marketed as 'Kalutara' are along the wider west coast. Always check the address on a map before booking — the feel changes between Wadduwa, Kalutara, Beruwala, Moragalla and Bentota.

Use cases

Popular Kalutara Hotel Use Cases

Common reasons travelers book a Kalutara hotel, with notes on the best areas for each kind of trip.

First-time Kalutara stay

Best areas: Kalutara Beach, resort areas, Wadduwa

For a first visit, base on Kalutara Beach or Wadduwa for direct beach access and full resort facilities. Two or three nights is usually enough for a focused beach stay.

Family beach resort trip

Best areas: Kalutara Beach, Wadduwa, Beruwala

Families usually prefer larger resorts on Kalutara Beach, Wadduwa or Beruwala for pools, family rooms and buffet meals. Confirm beach safety, room size and kids' pool depth before booking.

Couple's beach stay

Best areas: Kalutara Beach, Moragalla, quieter resort areas

Couples often pair a night on Kalutara Beach with a quieter Moragalla or boutique stay. Look for sea-view rooms, a small pool or garden privacy for the slower part of the trip.

Wedding or event stay

Best areas: Wadduwa, Kalutara Beach, larger resort hotels

Wedding stays usually base at larger Wadduwa or Kalutara Beach resorts with dedicated event teams. Confirm dates, inclusions, guest minimums and venue exclusivity in writing.

Budget west coast stay

Best areas: Kalutara Town, Kalutara South, Payagala / Maggona

Budget travelers do well in Kalutara town, Kalutara South or Payagala. Confirm AC, cleanliness, hot water and walking time to a swim-friendly beach.

Colombo-access beach break

Best areas: Wadduwa, Kalutara Beach, road-access resorts

For a short Colombo-side beach break, Wadduwa and Kalutara Beach are the easiest bases. Confirm travel time from Colombo or Bandaranaike airport, especially for late arrivals.

Kalutara Beach Sri Lanka golden sand, palm trees and beachfront resorts on the west coast
Wadduwa Sri Lanka quiet long sandy beach with palm trees and beach resort umbrellas at golden hour
Moragalla Sri Lanka quiet west coast beach with palm trees, soft golden sand and turquoise sea between Beruwala and Bentota

Booking advice

Before You Book a Hotel in Kalutara

A few small checks make a real difference once you arrive — particularly around how close the hotel really is to the beach, whether you're walking to the sand or crossing a road, and whether the property is genuinely in Kalutara or actually in Wadduwa, Beruwala or Bentota.

  • Check the exact beach area before booking

    Kalutara Beach, Kalutara town, Wadduwa, Beruwala, Moragalla and Bentota all feel very different. Pick the area that matches your trip first, then choose the property.

  • Don't assume every Kalutara hotel is beachfront

    Many 'Kalutara' listings are across the road or railway from the sand, or actually in Wadduwa, Beruwala or Payagala. If beachfront matters, confirm distance on a map before booking.

  • For families

    Check pool access, kids' pool depth, room size, meal plans, beach safety and cancellation terms. Larger resorts on Kalutara Beach, Wadduwa or Beruwala usually offer more space than town hotels.

  • For weddings or events

    Confirm wedding inclusions, available dates, guest minimums, venue exclusivity and any non-refundable deposits in writing with the hotel's events team before paying.

  • For budget stays

    Confirm AC vs. fan, hot water, cleanliness, mosquito screens and road noise. Town and Payagala stays usually cost less but may not be directly on the beach.

  • For luxury stays

    Check room category, sea-view vs. garden, meal plan inclusions, spa policies and cancellation terms. Compare premium Kalutara hotels with Bentota's villa-and-river stays before deciding.

  • For Colombo access

    Confirm road transfer time from Colombo and Bandaranaike airport. Wadduwa is closer to Colombo than Kalutara town, and traffic can add 30–60 minutes either way.

  • For nearby resort towns

    Compare Kalutara with Wadduwa, Beruwala, Moragalla and Bentota. Each has a different feel — Kalutara local, Wadduwa wedding-friendly, Beruwala resort-led, Bentota premium-and-river.

Browse more

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FAQ

Kalutara Hotels — Common Questions

Practical answers based on how travelers actually plan trips to Kalutara.

Most first-time visitors do best on Kalutara Beach or Wadduwa for direct beach access and full resort facilities. Two or three nights is usually enough for a focused beach stay.

Trust & transparency

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Hoteli.com is an independent hotel discovery and comparison guide. We help travelers compare destinations, hotel areas, travel styles and booking options. We may earn a commission when users book through partner links. We do not present ourselves as the official website of any hotel, and hotel details should always be checked before booking.

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