Physical Address
23,24,25 & 26, 2nd Floor, Software Technology Park India, Opp: Garware Stadium,MIDC, Chikalthana, Aurangabad, Maharashtra – 431001 India
Air quality across several parts of Sri Lanka has deteriorated over the past few days, prompting environmental authorities to closely monitor the situation. Officials from the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) have confirmed that the decline is linked to transboundary air pollution caused by particulate matter originating outside the country, primarily from the Indian subcontinent.
Dr. Ajith Gunawardena, Media Spokesperson for the Central Environmental Authority, stated to Climate Fact Checks that Air Quality Index (AQI) readings recorded since January 18 indicate a noticeable decline in air quality across a wide range of regions. According to CEA monitoring data, AQI values have fluctuated between 150 and 200 in the Northern, North Central, North Western, Western, and Southern Provinces. Similar conditions have also been reported in the Ratnapura and Kegalle districts.
An AQI reading between 150 and 200 is categorized as “unhealthy,” particularly for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals suffering from respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Director of the Air Quality Monitoring Unit of CEA , Ms. Vernica Ranawaka Arachchi described to the Climate Fact Checks that the current situation as “somewhat adverse” but stressed that it does not yet pose a severe public health emergency.
She explained that the decline in air quality is mainly the result of cross-border air circulation patterns. Seasonal wind movements have transported polluted air masses from neighboring regions into Sri Lanka, resulting in elevated concentrations of particulate matter in the atmosphere. According to Vernica, this type of transboundary pollution is not unusual during this period of the year and is influenced by prevailing meteorological conditions.
“The current air quality deterioration is largely caused by air circulation between borders,” she said, adding that the situation is expected to be temporary.She further noted that based on current forecasts, air quality levels are likely to improve within the next two days as wind patterns shift and dispersion conditions become more favorable.
Providing further insight into the underlying causes of the pollution, she explained that the primary source of the current particulate matter is the annual burning of agricultural crop lands across the Indian subcontinent.
Ms. Arachchi stated that large quantities of fine particulate matter are released into the atmosphere every year during seasonal agricultural burning in countries such as India and Bangladesh. These microscopic particles, commonly referred to as PM2.5 and PM10, can remain suspended in the air for long periods and travel long distances through atmospheric transport.
“As a result of prevailing wind directions, these particulate matter emissions are carried towards Sri Lanka,” she explained. “This transboundary transfer of pollutants significantly affects local air quality, even though the source of the pollution is outside the country.”
She emphasized that this phenomenon occurs annually and is a well-documented environmental issue. However, she pointed out that the intensity of the pollution varies from year to year depending on factors such as the scale of crop burning, wind speed, atmospheric stability, and rainfall patterns.
According to Ms. Arachchi, the current situation is comparatively less severe than in previous years. “This year, the air quality deterioration is not considered hazardous,” she noted. “In earlier years, we experienced much worse conditions, with higher concentrations of particulate matter and prolonged exposure.”
She also highlighted an observable environmental effect associated with the increased presence of particulate matter in the atmosphere. Due to the dense concentration of particles, solar radiation is partially blocked, preventing sunlight from fully reaching the ground. This has resulted in slightly cooler ambient temperatures in several parts of the country over the past few days.
Also Read: Sri Lanka on High Alert as Air Quality deteriorates with Intensifying Monsoons!
“There is a noticeable cooling effect in the environment because solar rays are not directly reaching the surface,” Ms. Arachchi said. “This is a temporary effect linked to the presence of particulate matter in the atmosphere.”
Ms. Arachchi further stated that the current air pollution episode is expected to gradually subside by next Friday, the 23rd, as weather conditions improve and pollutant dispersion increases. Continuous monitoring is being carried out by the Air Quality Monitoring Unit to track changes in pollution levels and issue timely updates.
Addressing the broader regional challenge, Ms. Arachchi expressed concern over the lack of effective action in some neighboring countries, despite repeated warnings and guidelines issued by international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO).
“Although the WHO and other international bodies continuously intervene and issue warnings, countries like India and Bangladesh often do not take these warnings seriously,” she said. “Air pollution has become a very normal condition in those countries, and unfortunately, it is not given the priority it deserves.”
She added that the normalization of air pollution in these regions contributes to recurring transboundary pollution events, affecting not only local populations but also neighboring countries like Sri Lanka, which experience the consequences despite having minimal contribution to the source emissions.
Environmental experts warn that while the current situation may not be classified as hazardous, prolonged exposure to elevated particulate matter levels can still pose health risks. Authorities advise the public, especially vulnerable groups, to limit prolonged outdoor activities during periods of poor air quality and to remain attentive to official advisories.
The Central Environmental Authority has assured the public that it will continue to monitor air quality levels across the country and provide timely updates as the situation evolves. Officials remain optimistic that air quality will return to normal levels in the coming days as atmospheric conditions stabilize.
References
https://www.iqair.com/sri-lanka
Banner Image: Photo by Anne Nygård on Unsplash
Sections of this article may have been developed with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to support research, drafting and language refinement. All information has been reviewed, edited and verified by the author/editor to ensure accuracy, context and editorial integrity. The responsibility for the final content, interpretations and conclusions rests solely with the publisher.
