Colombo air quality turns ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’

1 March 2026 03:33 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 4 Bookmark

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Colombo, March 1 (Daily Mirror) - Air quality in Colombo dropped to “unhealthy” levels this afternoon, according to real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) data published by IQAir.

As at 3.17 p.m., Colombo recorded an AQI reading of 134, placing the city in the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” category.

By early evening, the index is expected to ease further to 116 at 6.30 p.m., with a gradual decline into the night—112 at 7.30 p.m., 108 at 8.30 p.m., 105 at 9.30 p.m., 103 at 10.30 p.m., and around 101 by 11.30 p.m.

Despite the gradual improvement later in the evening, air quality is expected to remain in the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” range for several hours during the day.

Under AQI guidelines, readings between 101 and 150 are considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups”, meaning people with heart or lung disease, older adults and children may experience health effects, while the general public is less likely to be affected.

Furthermore, real-time data indicated hot and humid conditions in Colombo during the afternoon, with temperatures hovering around 30–31°C and humidity levels above 60 per cent, alongside light winds, which can contribute to the accumulation of pollutants.

Comments - 4

Cassie Sunday, 01 March 2026 09:30 PM

Something should be done about this. One can literally taste the smog. Since Sri Lanka cares more about tourism than how it affects the locals, I'll say it like this: You cannot attract high paying tourists if the air quality is bad.

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Ram P Monday, 02 March 2026 03:56 AM

Yes air quality is poor, Why? Can someone explain the reasons behind. We have often heard that in Delhi the air quality is poor. Now Colombo. If the reasons are explained why and how to arrest the situation, people will get involved if they can be of any help

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Dr Tissa Fernando Monday, 02 March 2026 10:01 AM

Is this bad air coming from Pachawatte area?

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peer Monday, 02 March 2026 06:06 PM

That Altair Tower made me faint in the queue, when the Devnimori relics were being displayed for public veneration. There were not enough trees to add to the greenery during the scorching heat. Even though the Beira lake had been cleaned, it still has that "stenchy smell." Unlike in Kandy, where there is much greenery, people cannot stand in Queue in Colombo. Those days, the Commercial Company Buildings that stood there, were not an eye sore that made people faint in the heat.

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