Weekly Air Quality Update for Sri Lanka
14 April – 20 April 2025
Summary
Sri Lanka experienced high air pollution in Akurana, Digana, and Battaramulla, with all stations reporting Air Quality Index (AQI) values ranging from 52 to 118. None of the stations recorded a Good AQI. This increase in the AQI is due to polluted air coming from the land to the northwest of the Arabian Sea.
Summaries for the stations from 14 – 20 April 2025
Air Quality was:
Unhealthy for sensitive groups (AQI 100 – 150): Battaramulla (Pelawatte)
Moderate (AQI 50-100): Akurana, Digana, Nuwara Eliya, Dambulla, Kurunegala, Colombo, Battaramulla (CEA), Gampaha, Negombo, Ambalantota, Puttalam, Trincomalee, and Jaffna
Weekly Average AQI for selected cities
Battaramulla (pelawatte) recorded the highest weekly average AQI of 104. Nuwara Eliya recorded the lowest weekly AQI of 59.
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.