Weekly Air Quality Update for Sri Lanka
22– 28 June 2025
Summary
Pristine air from the southern Indian Ocean was carried into Sri Lanka by southwesterly winds throughout the week. This resulted in low air pollution across all air quality monitoring stations in Sri Lanka. The highest air quality index of 67 was recorded in Ambalangoda, while the lowest air quality index of 42 was recorded in Colombo.
Summaries for the stations from 22 to 28 June 2025
Air quality index was:
- Moderate (AQI 51 – 100): Akurana, Digana, Virtusa, Mirihana, Battaramulla, Chilaw, Ambalangoda, Anuradhapura, Jaffna.
- Good (AQI 0 – 50): Nuwara Eliya, Colombo, Negombo, and Adampan.
Weekly Average AQI for selected cities
Ambalangoda recorded the highest weekly average AQI of 67. Colombo (Gregory Hall) recorded the lowest weekly AQI of 42.
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
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 140 and Pelawatte was about 155.
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.