Weekly Air Quality Update for Sri Lanka
26 January - 01 February 2026
Summary
From 27 January – 29th January, “Unhealthy” daily AQI values have been recorded in Akurana, Kurunegala, Mirihana, Battaramulla, Chilaw, Mannar, Trincomalee, Jaffna and Anuradhapura. In this period of time the majority of the rest have recorded “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” daily AQI values.
Throughout the whole week, daily AQI values ranged from “Good” to “Unhealthy.” The polluted air entered the country from the northeastern direction via the Bay of Bengal. Weekly average AQI levels ranged from “Moderate” to “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.”
Weekly Air Quality Index (AQI) Levels:
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (AQI 101–150): Akurana-AV-Outdoor, Colombo(Gregory’s Road), Mirihana(cleanco), Battaramulla(CEA), Chilaw(CEA), Galle, Mannar, Trincomalee, Jaffna, Anuradhapura
Moderate (AQI 101–150): Digana, Bandarawela, Kurunegala, Negombo, Ambalantota
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.