Weekly Air Quality Update for Sri Lanka
23 – 29 March 2026
Summary
During the past week, air quality across the country has generally been clear, with most monitored areas recording ‘Moderate’ daily average AQI values on the majority of days. On 29th March, Chilaw recorded an ‘Unhealthy’ daily average AQI value of 156. Akurana, Digana, and Colombo recorded ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups’ daily average AQI values on a few days during the latter part of the week.
Air masses entered Sri Lanka mainly from the northeastern direction. In addition, polluted air from the Arabian Sea contributed to increased pollution levels in coastal areas from Puttalam to Kalutara.
Considering the weekly averages, all monitored areas recorded ‘Moderate’ weekly average AQI values.
Weekly Air Quality Index (AQI) Levels:
- Moderate (AQI 51-100): Akurana, Digana, Nuwara Eliya, Kurunegala, Colombo, Mirihana, Negombo, Battaramulla, Chilaw, Kalawana, Ambalantota, Mannar, Trincomalee, Jaffna, Anuradhapura
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
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.