Weekly Air Quality Update for Sri Lanka
05 - 11 January 2026
Summary
From 05–07 January (especially 06 and 07 January), air quality across Sri Lanka worsened, with many areas recording Unhealthy and Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups AQI levels. Several locations, including Akurana, Digana, Mirihana, Battaramulla, Chilaw, Mannar, Trincomalee, Jaffna, and Anuradhapura, recorded Unhealthy daily AQI values on these days.
The poor air quality was linked to polluted air carried by winds from the Bay of Bengal. From 08–11 January, air quality improved slightly as weather conditions changed due to a deep depression near the Bay of Bengal, helping to disperse the polluted air. During this period, AQI levels ranged from Good to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.
Based on weekly averages, Nuwara Eliya, Colombo, Mirihana, Battaramulla, Chilaw, Mannar, Trincomalee, Jaffna, and Anuradhapura recorded Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups AQI levels, while other areas remained Moderate.
Weekly Air Quality Index (AQI) Levels:
Moderate (AQI 51–100): Akurana-AV-Outdoor, Digana, Kurunegala, Negombo, Ambalangoda, Ambalantota
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (AQI 101–150): Nuwara Eliya, Colombo(Gregory’s Road), Mirihana(Cleanco), Battaramulla(CEA), Chilaw(CEA), 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.