Weekly Air Quality Update for Sri Lanka

08 – 14 June 2026

Summary

In general, cleaner air flowed into Sri Lanka from the southwestern direction during the past week, contributing to favorable air quality conditions across the country. Only ‘Good’ and ‘Moderate’ daily average AQI values were recorded throughout the country. The highest daily average AQI value recorded during the week was 73 in Akurana, which falls under the ‘Moderate’ category.

Considering the weekly average AQI values, Akurana, Mirihana, Battaramulla, Chilaw, Kalawana, and Jaffna recorded ‘Moderate’ AQI levels, while all other monitored areas recorded ‘Good’ AQI levels.

Weekly Air Quality Index (AQI) Levels:

Good (AQI 0-50): Digana, Nuwara Eliya, Colombo, Kurunegala, Negombo, Ambalantota, Mannar, Trincomalee, Anuradhapura
Moderate (AQI 51-100): Akurana, Mirihana, Battaramulla, Chilaw, Kalawana, Jaffna

Read more about AQ color scale and real-time air quality stations operated by FECT https://fect.lk/air-quality/

Observed fine particulate measurements by the minute for last days

The AQ variation at a fine temporal scale is shown in Colombo and Pelawatte for the last three days. The peak value in Colombo was about 90, and in Pelawatte was about 150.

Air Quality impact on human health

Fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) are generally 2.5 microns and smaller in size. Such particles are inhalable and easily lodges inside the lungs reducing capacity. PM2.5 is a concern for people’s health when levels in the air are high. The levels of risk are shown in the dial shown against the US EPA air quality standards. AQ has a scale that run from 0-500, that tells you how clean or polluted your air is. Each level on the scale corresponds to a different level of health concern.