November 11, Colombo (LNW): Air quality in parts of Sri Lanka, particularly in the Northern and North-Eastern regions, has declined to levels considered unhealthy, the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has reported.
Dr. Ajith Gunawardena, Director of Environmental Education and Awareness at the CEA, noted that the Air Quality Index (AQI) in areas such as Jaffna, Kilinochchi, and Mannar has climbed to between 150 and 200, signalling a potentially harmful environment for sensitive groups.
The deterioration has been linked to transboundary air pollution and pollutants carried from the north, compounded by atmospheric disturbances experienced around two weeks ago.
Dr. Gunawardena warned that the situation could further deteriorate in the coming days and urged individuals with respiratory conditions to exercise caution. People with asthma, chronic lung issues, or other respiratory problems may encounter difficulties breathing under these conditions, he pointed out, advising that immediate medical attention should be sought if symptoms worsen.
