Weekly Air Quality Update for Sri Lanka
03 – 09 November 2025
Summary
On November 9, 2025, Air Quality across Sri Lanka reached unhealthy levels (AQI above 150). Such levels used to be rare, however, with the AQI in Northern India reaching 400 in New Delhi at present. When the wind circulation transports polluted air from the polluted Northern Indian continent to Sri Lanka. The locations recording the poorest air quality were in Provinces: northwest, western, central, northern and eastern.
From November 8–9, several locations again recorded Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups and Unhealthy daily AQI levels, particularly in Digana (121), Battaramulla (103), and Jaffna (104).
During 3–9 November 2025, air quality across Sri Lanka ranged from Good to Unhealthy levels, with daily AQI values varying between 48 and 159. Compared to the previous week, when Unhealthy conditions were mainly concentrated along the Western coastal belt from Colombo and Battaramulla to Chilaw, this week showed relatively improved conditions across most areas.
Summary for 3 – 9 November 2025:
Weekly Air Quality Index (AQI) levels:
Moderate (AQI 51–100): Akurana, Kurunegala, Colombo-7, Mirihana,
Battaramulla, Ambalangoda, Ambalantota, Puttalam, Trincomalee, Anuradhapura Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (AQI 101–150): Digana, Chilaw, 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
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.