Weekly Air Quality Update for Sri Lanka
30 March – 05 April 2026
Summary
During the past week, daily AQI levels ranged from ‘Good’ to ‘Unhealthy’. Poor air quality conditions were observed in some areas from the beginning to midweek.On March 31, Chilaw recorded an ‘Unhealthy’ daily average AQI of 157. Several locations—including Akurana, Digana, Nuwara Eliya, Kurunegala, Colombo, Battaramulla, and Chilaw—experienced ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups’ conditions on multiple days.
Air quality improved after midweek, with clearer conditions in most areas. This was due to changes in wind patterns, although some polluted air still entered Sri Lanka from the Arabian Sea.
When considering weekly averages, Akurana recorded the highest AQI value of 114 (‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups’), while Trincomalee recorded the lowest at 49 (‘Good’).
Weekly Air Quality Index (AQI) Levels:
- Unhealthy For Sensitive Groups(AQI 101-150): Akurana
- Moderate (AQI 51-100): Digana, Nuwara Eliya, Kurunegala, Colombo, Mirihana, Negombo, Battaramulla, Chilaw, Kalawana, Ambalantota, Mannar, Jaffna, Anuradhapura
- Good (AQI 0 – 50): Trincomalee
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.