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This report examines how the repercussions of the Iran war have reached the shores of Galle, a city in Sri Lanka, highlighting the surreal experience of a peaceful tourist destination entangled in international conflict.

Peaceful City Engulfed by Shadows of War

There are places in the world where one expects 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.

The Reality of War Casts Over Galle

While Galle was once considered a peaceful and secluded retreat, the effects of the Iran war are now reaching its shores. This exemplifies how international conflicts can unexpectedly impact regions across the globe. The connection of Galle, a tranquil tourist destination, to the geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East presents a new reality for both its local residents and visitors.

*Source: SCMP (2026-03-14)*

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