Air quality continue to remain poor across Sri Lanka

 

 Air quality across Sri Lanka continues to remain slightly unhealthy, according to real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) data.

Affected areas include multiple areas in Jaffna, Chilawa, Puttalam, Galle, Kandy and Colombo districts

Speaking to Daily Mirror, a senior official at the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) said the deterioration in air quality is mainly due to polluted air drifting in from the Indian region and local pollution sources combined with prevailing atmospheric conditions that limit the dispersion of pollutants.

The official said the situation is expected to persist until around March next year.

However, he said the situation can improve from time to time.

“This condition could particularly affect children, the elderly and those with respiratory illnesses, and the public is advised to take necessary precautions,” the official added.

As of December 30, 2025, air quality in India remains poor, with major cities experiencing "unhealthy" to "very unhealthy" levels and high PM2.5 concentrations, posing serious health risks to residents, especially children and the elderly.

By 10:30 AM (India Standard Time), many urban centers have recorded AQI readings above 200, prompting health warnings.

Residents are advised to limit outdoor activity, keep windows closed, wear masks when outside, and use air purifiers indoors.

While conditions remain poor, India’s average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 was 50.6 µg/m3, equivalent to an AQI of 138, classified as “unhealthy for sensitive groups".

This level is nearly 11 times higher than the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m3, placing India fifth globally in the 2024 World Air Quality Report.