How the war on Iran struck the shores of Sri Lanka

AI Summary

The war on Iran is having unexpected ripple effects on distant locales such as Sri Lanka's Galle, illustrating how geopolitical conflict disrupts trade, tourism, and daily life far from the frontlines. The article uses Galle's unique cultural mix as a backdrop to explore how conflict reshapes commerce and travel in seemingly insulated regions. This highlights the global economic and social reach of the Middle East war.

There are places in the world where you expect war to intrude. And then there are places where its arrival feels surreal. For me, the Sri Lankan city of Galle has always belonged firmly to the latter category. The old fort, perched above the Indian Ocean, has the feel of a tropical cousin to Cartagena’s walled city. Inside its ramparts is an improbable mix: Western expatriates, boutique hotels, a long-standing local Muslim community and wealthy Sri Lankans who have restored colonial houses into...