From 19–21 January, the majority of the areas considered recorded “Unhealthy” daily AQI values (Akurana, Digana, Kurunegala, Colombo (Gregory’s Road), Mirihana, Negombo, Battaramulla, Chilaw, Galle, Mannar, Trincomalee, Jaffna, and Anuradhapura). Other areas recorded “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” AQI values, while Bandarawela was the only location that recorded a “Moderate” daily average AQI value (95).

From 22–25 January, all areas recorded “Moderate” and “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” daily AQI values, except for Chilaw, which recorded an “Unhealthy” AQI value of 151 on 23 January.

Overall, air quality during the week was very poor, especially during the beginning of the week. The polluted air entered the country from the northeastern direction, transported through the Bay of Bengal from the northern and eastern regions of India. Toward the end of the week, air flowing from the southern Indian Ocean via the Bay of Bengal carried relatively cleaner air, which helped to slightly improve air quality.

Considering weekly average AQI values, all areas except Bandarawela recorded “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” levels. Bandarawela recorded the lowest weekly average AQI value (84 – Moderate), while Akurana recorded the highest weekly average AQI value (141 – Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups).

Weekly Air Quality Index (AQI) Levels:

• Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (AQI 101–150): Akurana-AV-Outdoor, Digana, Kurunegala, Colombo(Gregory’s Road), Mirihana(Cleanco), Negombo, Battaramulla(CEA), Chilaw(CEA), Galle, Ambalantota, Mannar, Trincomalee, Jaffna, Anuradhapura

• Moderate (AQI 101–150): Bandarawela