The air quality in several major urban areas of Sri Lanka has been reported to have deteriorated this morning, the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) said.
The NBRO said that according to the US Air Quality Index, as of 08.00 am today, Kegalle and Badulla recorded the highest levels of air pollution with the air quality index showing levels of 151 and 140, respectively.
Kandy recorded 120 on the air quality index, while Kurunegala and Puttalam recorded 117 each, and Colombo recorded levels of 111. Hambantota, Jaffna, and Polonnaruwa recorded levels of 106, 103, and 97 in the air quality index.
Speaking to NewsWire, the Director of the Environmental Division of the NBRO Sarath Premasiri said that, however, the air quality in Sri Lanka has improved in comparison to yesterday.
He further said that as of 10.30 am today, the air quality in several areas remains between the levels of 100- 150.
Premasiri said that Jaffna (79), Kalutara, and Mullaitivu are among the cities that are in the medium air quality category which shows levels less than 100.
He said, however, Colombo (110), Puttalam, Kurunegala, Dambulla, and Hambantota are showing levels between 100-150 which may be harmful to sensitive groups and those with respiratory issues.
Premasiri added that the situation is expected to prevail for the next 2 days after which it is expected to improve. (NewsWire)