On 28 February 2026, the US and Israel began their bombing campaign on Iran. This led to major consequences throughout the Gulf region and the world. From flight cancellations and travel disruption to the rise of fuel and gas prices, small countries like Sri Lanka were on the front lines of the indirect consequences of the war on Iran. I was there to witness the disruption first-hand, which allowed me to gather testimonies from local people. The population of Sri Lanka is headlined by the Sinhalese, accounting for three-fourths of the population, followed my Sri Lankan Tamils, Sri Lankan Moors and several smaller communities. The country maintains a service-led economy, with tourism, manufacturing and foreign remittances underpinning the national GDP.

The following interview is just one of the many stories I had the privilege to listen to. For safety and privacy reasons, the interviewee has asked to remain anonymous. I will let his words speak for him, with the intent to give a voice to the unvoiced. The interview was conducted via an online messaging platform, shortly after my departure from Asia.
Translated into English via online translator tools, the text might contain minor inaccuracies. I have chosen to include the original Sinhala script; in the hope this piece remains accessible to a Sinhalese-speaking audience.

Petrol Station in Hatton, Sri Lanka. 12 March 2026. Picture by Anita Barbara Gillone.

Q1. Where do you live and what is your job? ? ?

. . .
I am from Sri Lanka. I am a driver, and my job is to transport tourists.

Q2. How has the war on Iran affected your country and job? ?

. Let me tell you how this war is mocking us.

. ,
. When powerful countries wage war, innocent people in small countries like ours suffer the most. Think about it for a moment, people have no mental peace.

. ,   . ? . We all get anxious thinking about
tomorrow. In times like these, people with money have stockpiled all the food and essential items they need for the next few months. But what can ordinary people like us do? Right now, the jobs of many people, like mine, are in danger.

, , . . .
. . Fuel prices, gas prices, and commodity prices are rising rapidly. But we dont have the income to meet the expenses. You know me.
I havent had a job for a long time. Foreign travel has been disrupted.

. . 25. . But its expensive. Fuel is limited: 5,25 litres per week for a car and 5 litres for a motorcycle.

Petrol station near Undawalawe National Park, Sri Lanka. 14 March 2026. Picture by Anita Barbara Gillone.

Q3. What are the main struggles Sri Lankans are facing? ?

. ? You understand how people work. How will I support
my children and wife?

? How much do we suffer when powerful countries wage war for power?
. . State rulers have done nothing but impose taxes on the people, whilst they live comfortably. Especially in our country.

? , .
. So, how? How does war affect our country? Our country is truly a beautiful country. But none of the ruling politicians has ever tried to develop the country.

. . . They steal and get rich. They want people to be poor.
This way, it's easy for them to stay in power.

. . The people of our country are very good. But the rulers have made them helpless.

. . Some people leave and find jobs in other countries. [But] I work here [in Sri Lanka].

, . . .
. Electricity and water bills have increased drastically. The prices of all goods have increased drastically. So how do people live? There is no income to meet the expenses.

Dickoya, Sri Lanka. 11 March 2026. Picture by Anita Barbara Gillone.

Q4. What are some consequences you wish people knew about, which have not been portrayed by the media? , ?

? . [Did] you know? Right now, some people can only afford one meal a day.

? Why dont powerful countries that fight for power think about this?

? How will I pay my car lease payments when I lose income from my job?

? How can I pay my rent?

? How can people pay for their childrens education?

Dickoya, Sri Lanka. 15 March 2026. Picture by Anita Barbara Gillone.

Q5. What other problems have you and other Sri Lankans encountered? ?

. Let me tell you a true story.

. . My eldest son is
pursuing higher education. So, he needs a laptop in two months time.

. But my job is in danger.

. I wonder how I am going to buy him one [laptop].

. ? This war has greatly affected the education of children. What will happen to future generations?

. This war is devastating, especially for poor countries like ours.

Negombo, Sri Lanka. 8 March 2026. Picture by Anita Barbara Gillone.

Q7. What do you think of the newly elected party? ?

.NPP. . . . .,,, . . .
The new government is the National Peoples Power Party (NPP). I voted for them. We are looking forward to their rule. However, I still dont see a proper plan. It looks like the President is making a big effort. He is trying to reduce waste, corruption, and theft. But I dont believe that will happen. Nothing has been done for ordinary people, yet.

Npp . . . . . The people gave the NPP a huge two-thirds majority.
If they dont govern properly, they too will have to go home. But every day, politicians get into power by deceiving people. People are deceived. They are all friends.

. . . . . They live a comfortable and prosperous life. Ordinary people always suffer. Sri Lanka will always be a poor country on the world map.

Dickoya, Sri Lanka. 12 March 2026. Picture by Anita Barbara Gillone.

Sri Lanka was amongst the first countries in South Asia to suffer the indirect consequences of war on Iran. This beautiful island has been enduring a crippling economic crisis that has brought tourism to a standstill, which will leave indelible marks on the population. Yet, the spirit of its people remains unbroken. During my time there in March 2026, I was met with smiles and kindness at every turn. In Sri Lanka I made friends I am certain I will meet again, and I encourage all of you to do the same one day.

. . , . 2026
, . , .

Source: Pressenza