Weekly Air Quality Update for Sri Lanka
12 - 18 January 2026
Summary
From 15 to 18 January, all monitored areas recorded “Unhealthy” daily AQI values. Trincomalee reported the highest daily AQI value of 192 on 17 January. This polluted air mass entered the country from the northeast, via the Bay of Bengal, driven by airflow carrying pollutants from the northern regions of India.
From 12 to 14 January, all monitored areas recorded “Moderate” daily AQI values, except Trincomalee and Jaffna on 14 January, which recorded “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” daily AQI values.
Considering weekly average AQI values, all monitored areas recorded “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” levels. Akurana-AV-Outdoor recorded the lowest weekly average AQI value of 101, while Trincomalee recorded the highest weekly average AQI value of 130.
Weekly Air Quality Index (AQI) Levels:
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (AQI 101–150): Akurana-AV-Outdoor, Digana, Kurunegala, Colombo(Gregory’s Road), Mirihana(Cleanco), Negombo, Battaramulla(CEA), Chilaw(CEA), Ambalantota, Mannar, Trincomalee, Jaffna, and 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.