Air quality in most parts of Sri Lanka has dropped to unhealthy levels due to an increase in dust particles in the atmosphere, warns the National Building Research Organization.
It says cooler weather and cyclonic conditions in the Bay of Bengal have exacerbated pollutants from India to enter the island and blanket many areas in thick fog.
The air quality index has fallen to 200 in Gampaha and to 167 in Colombo.
NBRO’s senior scientist Sarath Premasiri said the condition will ease by tomorrow when the cyclone moves away further from the island.
He said caution should be taken to prevent respiratory illnesses from the foggy condition, such as keeping to indoors as much as possible, wearing masks outdoors and keeping doors and windows closed.
