Weekly Air Quality Update for Sri Lanka

29 September – 05 October 2025

Summary

During this week(29 September – 05 October 2025), winds from the Arabian Sea carried dust and pollutants through Sri Lanka, causing moderate air pollution across most of Sri Lanka. Western and coastal stations showed lower AQI levels, while central and northern areas experienced moderate increases during early October. The highest AQI of 87 was recorded in Akurana, while the lowest AQI of 54 was observed in Jafna.

Summaries from 29 September – 05 October 2025

Air quality index was:

Moderate (AQI 51 – 100): Digana, Mirihana, Battaramulla(CEA), Battaramulla(Pelawatta), Ambalangoda, Puttalam, Anuradhapura, Colombo, Kurunegala, Akurana, Ambalantota, Trincomalee, Nuwara Eliya and Jaffna.

Good (AQI 0 – 50):

The highest AQI of 87 was recorded in Akurana, while the lowest AQI of 54 was observed in Jaffna.

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.