The air quality in Colombo and several other areas across Sri Lanka has deteriorated, according to the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO). Individuals experiencing respiratory difficulties are urged to seek immediate medical attention.
The NBRO’s Environmental Studies and Services Division reports that the Sri Lanka Air Quality Index (SLAQI) is expected to fluctuate between 92 and 120 throughout the day. This decline is attributed to prevailing weather patterns and a border disturbance from the north.
While these levels fall within the “moderate” to “slightly harmful” categories, urban areas are predicted to reach unhealthy thresholds. Colombo’s air quality is forecasted to range between 108 and 116, while Jaffna and Polonnaruwa may record even higher levels, between 112 and 120.
Other cities, including Kurunegala, Vavuniya, Kandy, Kegalle, Galle, Badulla, and Trincomalee, are expected to exceed an SLAQI value of 100, indicating potential health concerns, especially for sensitive groups. The NBRO advises people with respiratory or heart conditions to monitor their health closely and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen.
In contrast, locations like Nuwara Eliya, Embilipitiya, Kalutara, Hambantota, and Monaragala are expected to maintain moderate air quality levels (51–100), posing lower health risks.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) measures pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO). An AQI below 50 indicates good air quality, while values over 300 signify hazardous conditions, according to international standards.
