NBRO Warns of Possible Air Quality Decline in Coming Days

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has cautioned that air quality across Sri Lanka may deteriorate over the next few days, despite generally moderate conditions recorded during the past 24 hours.

In its ambient air quality bulletin issued on January 27, the NBRO reported that PM2.5 concentrations remained at moderate levels in most major cities. However, good air quality was observed in several locations, including Vavuniya, Nuwara Eliya, Embilipitiya, Trincomalee, Mullaitivu, Batticaloa and Monaragala.

Looking ahead, the organisation noted that air quality levels over the next 24 hours are likely to range from moderate to slightly unhealthy in certain areas, particularly in cities such as Jaffna and Puttalam. The NBRO attributed the expected decline to polluted air masses entering the country from northern regions under transboundary atmospheric conditions.

According to the advisory, these conditions could affect much of the island over the next two to three days. As a precaution, the NBRO has recommended that the public wear face masks when possible and advised individuals with respiratory sensitivities to seek medical attention if they experience breathing difficulties.

Air quality in Sri Lanka is assessed using the Sri Lanka Air Quality Index, which categorises pollution levels from good to hazardous based on the concentration of particulate matter in the air.