Sri Lanka’s air quality reached “Unhealthy” levels on January 16th and 17th, with AQI exceeding 150 in Jaffna, Puttalam, Colombo and exceeding 160 in Trincomalee. This was caused by northeasterly winds carrying polluted air from Kolkata, India, across the Bay of Bengal. Air is less polluted on the western sides of the hills in places such as Nuwara Eliya, Akurana and Ambalantota.
From the 13th – 19th January 2025, air quality was Moderate (AQI 51-100) in Digana, Kurunegala, Colombo, Battaramulla (CEA & Pelawatte), Gampaha, Puttalam,Trincomalee and Jaffna; Good (AQI 0-51) in Akurana, Nuwara Eliya and Ambalantota .
Weekly Average AQI for selected cities
Battaramulla (Pelawatta) recorded the highest weekly averageAQI of 98. Akurana recorded the lowest weekly AQI of 25.
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 last three days. The peak value in Colombo was about 150 and Pelawatte was about 170.
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.