Weekly Air Quality Update for Sri Lanka
10 – 16 November 2025
Summary
On 10 November, all monitored areas recorded daily AQI values above 100. On 11, 14, and 15 November, several locations recorded Unhealthy daily AQI levels. The polluted wind flowing over the Arabian Sea from parts of northern India contributed to these poor air quality conditions.
During the week, overall air quality across Sri Lanka ranged from Good to Unhealthy. Most locations experienced Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups conditions, indicating generally poor air quality with occasional increases in particulate matter to unhealthy levels in some areas.
Battaramulla (Pelawatte) recorded the highest AQI of the week (136), indicating the poorest air quality, while Ambalantota reported the lowest AQI (77), reflecting the cleanest air during this period.
Summary for 10–16 November 2025:
Weekly Air Quality Index (AQI) Levels:
Moderate (AQI 51–100): Kurunegala, Ambalangoda, Ambalantota, Puttalam
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (AQI 101–150): Akurana (AV Outdoor), Digana, Colombo (Gregory’s Road), Mirihana (Cleanco), Battaramulla (Pelawatte), Battaramulla (CEA), Chilaw (CEA), 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.