Sri Lanka experienced moderate air quality throughout the week. Pelawatte had the highest air pollution, with a weekly average air quality index (AQI) of 94. Nuwara Eliya recorded the least pollution last week, with a weekly average AQI of 48.
From 17 to 22 March, the wind from the East carried clean air into the country. On the 23rd, the wind carried polluted air from Southern China, Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos, causing the most polluted day of the week.
Summaries for the stations from 17th – 23rd March 2025
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 175 and Pelawatte was about 180.
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.