Sri Lanka’s Air Quality Dips as Seasonal Winds Blow Pollutants from India

COLOMBO (News 1st); The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) reports that several regions across Sri Lanka are experiencing a dip in air quality, attributed to seasonal weather patterns and wind-borne pollutants.

Sarath Premasiri, Chief Scientist of NBRO’s Air Pollution Management Unit, explains that winds originating from India have transported particulate matter into Sri Lanka, elevating the Air Quality Index (AQI) in many areas.

Current PM₂.₅ measurements (last 24 hours) reveal a mixed scenario across the country:

Good AQI (0–50):

Badulla (11), Nuwara Eliya (13), Mullaitivu (19), Galle Fort (20)

Moderate AQI (51–100):

Colombo 07 (25), Kolonnawa (24), Kotte (29), Dambulla (23), Galle (50), Kegalle (30), Mannar (38), Trincomalee (28), Anuradhapura (34), Vavuniya (46)

Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (101–150):

Jaffna (42), Puttalam (50) – trending toward the upper end of "moderate" but still under “Unhealthy for sensitive groups" threshold.

Premasiri notes that Northern and North-Central provinces are showing slightly elevated levels in the 100–150 AQI range, which may impact sensitive individuals.

He emphasized that although yesterday’s peak AQI was not exceeded, elevated levels are expected to persist until tomorrow evening.

“There's no need for alarm,” he assured.

For continuous updates and hourly data, visit the NBRO’s real-time air quality portal at

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