Air quality across Sri Lanka slightly unhealthy: CEA

Colombo, January 7 (Daily Mirror) - Air quality across Sri Lanka has been recorded at slightly unhealthy levels, according to real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) data, the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) said.

Addressing the media, Professor Ajith Gunawardana, Director of Environmental Education at the CEA, said the deterioration in air quality is largely due to cross-border air circulation and strong wind conditions, which have contributed to an increase in airborne pollutants across the country.

He said the CEA has observed a decline in air quality over the past two days, with affected areas including the Northern, North Central, Western, North-Western and parts of the Eastern Province.

Professor Gunawardana also drew attention to the prevailing misty conditions, noting that visibility has been reduced due to an increase in dust particles in the atmosphere.

He warned that such conditions could particularly affect children, the elderly and individuals with respiratory illnesses, and advised the public to take necessary health precautions.

The CEA further urged the public to refrain from activities that worsen air pollution, including burning plastic and polythene in open areas, which release large quantities of harmful particulate matter into the air.