The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has reported that air quality across Sri Lanka is currently slightly unhealthy, based on real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) data.
Professor Ajith Gunawardana, Director of Environmental Education at the CEA, said the decline in air quality is largely caused by cross-border air circulation and strong winds, which have increased the concentration of airborne pollutants.
The CEA has been monitoring the situation over the past two days, noting that the Northern, North Central, Western, North-Western and parts of the Eastern Province are most affected.
He also highlighted the misty conditions in some areas, explaining that reduced visibility is linked to higher levels of dust particles in the air.
The authority warned that the current air quality could particularly affect children, the elderly, and people with respiratory illnesses, advising the public to take necessary precautions.
The CEA also urged people to avoid burning plastic or polythene in open areas, as these activities release harmful pollutants and further deteriorate air quality.
