Summary for 02 – 08 February 2026 :

On 7 February and 8 February, “Unhealthy” daily AQI values were recorded in several locations including Akurana, Digana, Kurunegala, Mirihana, Negombo, Chilaw, Battaramulla, Mannar, Trincomalee, Jaffna and Anuradhapura, with the highest pollution observed on 8 February. Jaffna recorded a “Very Unhealthy” AQI value (292) on 7 February. During most of the remaining days of the week, many locations recorded “Moderate” to “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” daily AQI values. This polluted air mass entered Sri Lanka from the northeast via the Bay of Bengal, originating from the Indian region. 

Throughout the week, daily AQI values ranged from “Moderate” to “Unhealthy.” Higher pollution levels were mainly observed in the Northern and North-Central regions, and the deterioration toward the end of the week suggests increased pollution accumulation and transport over the country. Weekly average AQI levels ranged from “Moderate” to “Unhealthy.”

Observed fine particulate measurements by the hour for the last week

 

 

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.

 

AIR QUALITY BASICS

Air pollution, a widely- talked and argued topic today has been a primary cause of unforeseen climatic changes, many health problems associated with respiratory diseases and ecosystem damage. Vehicular and industrial emissions, dust, burning of fossil fuels, open burning of garbage waste and natural phenomena such as volcanoes, wildfires and pollen contribute to air pollution. Polluted air consists of both particulate matter of fine dimensions and gaseous matter. The presence of these impurities decreases the pureness of the air we breathe.

 
AQI

United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has set up a standard to measure the level of air pollution by the following 5 major air pollutants:

  • Ground- level ozone (O3)
  • Particle pollution (PM2.5 and PM10)
  • Carbon monoxide (CO)
  • Sulphur dioxide (SO2)
  • Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)

Particulate matter of diameter less than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) and diameter less than 10 micrometers (PM10) and gases, ozone, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide have been identified as major air pollutants.

The AQI standard for ozone and particle pollution according to US EPA comprises of six categories. Each category is assigned a specific colour and corresponds to a different level of health concern. As the scale grows the air quality turns from good to extremely unhealthy.

 
Weekly Air Quality in Selected Towns of Sri Lanka (02 February- 08 February 2026)

Access to real- time air quality data from laser air quality sensoring instruments operated by FECT is available at www.cleanair.lk