Weekly Air Quality Update for Sri Lanka

20 – 26 October 2025

Summary

During this week, overall air quality across regions of Sri Lanka ranged from “Good” to “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.” Most locations experienced “Good” to “Moderate” air quality levels, indicating generally healthy conditions with a few areas showing mild fluctuations in particulate matter.

In general, the Colombo District experienced poorer air quality due to low wind speeds and limited atmospheric ventilation. Localized air pollution in Battaramulla further contributed to elevated AQI levels compared to nearby areas. Battaramulla (Pelawatte) and Battaramulla (CEA) recorded the poorest air quality during the week, with daily AQI values reaching 109 and 116, classified as “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.” The highest weekly average AQI was also observed in Battaramulla (CEA) (76), while Nuwara Eliya reported the cleanest air with a weekly AQI of 6.

Summary for 20 – 26 October 2025:
Air Quality Index (AQI) levels were as follows:

Moderate (AQI 51–100): Akurana, Digana, Colombo, Mirihana, Battaramulla(Pelawatte), Battaramulla(CEA), Chilaw, Ambalangoda
Good (AQI 0-50): Nuwara Eliya, Kurunegala, Ambalanthota, Puttalam, Trincomalee, Jaffna, Anuradhapura

The highest weekly AQI of 76 was observed in Battaramulla(CEA), while Anuradhapura reported the lowest weekly AQI of 6.

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.