Air Quality Index (AQI) in Sri Lanka 🇱🇰

Live Air Quality Index (AQI) and PM2.5 Levels in Sri Lanka

Currently, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, is measured at a score of 56. According to the US EPA health standard, this air quality rating is categorized as Good. The current atmosphere in Colombo is influenced by a PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) concentration of 11.6 µg/m³ and PM10 levels recorded at 16.8 µg/m³. Monitoring of gaseous pollutants shows Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) at 12.5 µg/m³.

Beyond the primary urban hubs, atmospheric conditions and smog levels fluctuate across Sri Lanka based on industrial output, traffic density, and local weather patterns. Real-time pollution data and respiratory health alerts are also being actively monitored in cities like Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, Maharagama, Jaffna, Moratuwa and Negombo. Tracking these air quality metrics is essential for residents nationwide to manage outdoor exposure and maintain respiratory safety during periods of increased particulate concentration.

Air Quality Snapshot: Sri Lanka Right Now

Across 18 monitored cities in Sri Lanka, live air quality currently ranges from a low of 34 AQI in Kandy (the cleanest air right now) to a high of 56 AQI in Colombo (the most polluted). By US EPA health band, the nationwide distribution stands at 6 Good, 12 Moderate. The average fine-particulate (PM2.5) concentration across these cities is 9.4 µg/m³ — approximately 1.9 times the World Health Organization (WHO) annual air quality guideline of 5 µg/m³.

Sri Lanka Air Quality: Major Cities Index

* Air Quality Index (AQI) data for Sri Lanka is calculated using the US EPA standard. Information is processed from multiple monitoring stations detecting PM2.5, PM10, and gaseous pollutants to ensure accuracy for respiratory health planning.

What Today's Readings Mean in Sri Lanka

The median reading across 18 monitored cities is 52.5 AQI. The national spread is 22 points, from 34 in Kandy to 56 in Colombo. Average PM2.5 is 9.4 µg/m³ (1.9× the WHO annual guideline).

At least one monitored location is in the Moderate range. People unusually sensitive to air pollution may want to reduce prolonged outdoor exertion there.

See the complete AQI and pollutant reference scales

Health & Scientific Resources

→ How to read US EPA Air Quality Index before going outside → Understanding Air Quality Index levels and what they mean → When haze forms and what it does to air quality

Air Quality in Sri Lanka — FAQ

Common questions about AQI levels, pollutants, and data sources for Sri Lanka.

What is the current air quality in Sri Lanka?

Live AQI readings for 18 city(ies) across Sri Lanka are listed above on the US EPA 0-500 scale.

Where does Sri Lanka's AQI data come from?

Real-time readings come from ground-based monitoring stations operated by national environmental agencies in Sri Lanka, delivered via WeatherAPI.com and aggregated using the EPA AQI formula.

What is a healthy AQI value in Sri Lanka?

On the EPA scale used worldwide, 0-50 is Good, 51-100 is Moderate, 101-150 is Unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151-200 is Unhealthy, 201-300 is Very Unhealthy, and 301-500 is Hazardous. The WHO 24-hour PM2.5 guideline is 15 μg/m³.

Why do AQI readings vary between cities in Sri Lanka?

Air quality is highly local — major pollution sources (traffic, industry, dust, wildfires) cluster around cities, while wind direction and topography move them around. Comparing nearby readings on this page is the best way to see how conditions change across Sri Lanka.