Weekly Air Quality Update for Sri Lanka
08 – 14 September 2025
Summary
This is the weekly AQ social media text from 01 to 07 September 2025.
During this week, winds from the Arabian Sea carried dust and pollutants, causing moderate air pollution across most parts of Sri Lanka. Western coastal stations showed relatively lower pollution, while central and northern regions recorded slightly higher AQI values due to local sources. The highest AQI of 87 was recorded in Akurana, while the lowest AQI of 38 was observed in Nuwara Eliya.
Summaries for the stations from 08 – 14 September 2025
Air quality index was:
- Moderate (AQI 51 – 100): Akurana, Digana, Kurunegala, Mirihana, Ambalangoda, Ambalantota, Puttalam, Trincomalee, Anuradhapura, Jaffna, and Battaramulla (CEA), Battaramulla (Pelawatta).
- Good (AQI 0 – 50): Colombo, Nuwara Eliya.
The highest AQI of 87 was recorded in Akurana, while the lowest AQI of 38 was observed in Nuwara Eliya.
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.