Weekly Air Quality Update for Sri Lanka
02 – 08 March 2026
Summary
During the past week, air quality became very poor across the country, with many areas recording “Unhealthy” daily AQI levels on the majority of days. Akurana and Chilaw recorded “Unhealthy” daily AQI levels continuously for the past seven days. The highest daily AQI value of 180 was recorded in Akurana on March 2.
The polluted air mass mainly entered the country from the north-eastern direction via the Bay of Bengal.
When considering weekly averages, Akurana, Digana, Battaramulla, and Chilaw recorded “Unhealthy” weekly AQI levels, while other monitored areas recorded “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” weekly average AQI values.
Weekly Air Quality Index (AQI) Levels:
- Unhealthy (AQI 151–200): Akurana, Digana, Battaramulla, Chilaw
- Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (AQI 101–150): Bandarawela, Kurunegala, Colombo, Mirihana, Negombo, Kalawana, Ambalanthota, Mannar, 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.