• Don’t burn plastic, polythene 

The Media Spokesperson for the Central Environmental Authority (CEA), Dr. Ajith Gunawardena said that a decline in air quality has been reported in multiple parts of the country. According to Dr. Gunawardena, since 18 January of this year (2026), the Air Quality Index (AQI) has ranged between 150 and 200 in the Northern, North Central, North Western, Western, and Southern Provinces, as well as in the Ratnapura and Kegalle Districts. He described this level as a moderately unhealthy condition and stated the situation is expected to improve within the next two days.

Dr. Gunawardena explained the current air quality deterioration is partly due to transboundary air pollution, resulting from the movement of polluted air across national borders. Highlighting the role of human activity, Dr. Gunawardena noted that practices such as open air burning and vehicular emissions contribute significantly to air pollution. He specifically requested that the public refrain from burning materials such as plastic and polythene.

He cautioned that this decline in air quality could adversely affect sensitive individuals and urged the public to seek immediate medical attention if they experience respiratory difficulties or allergic reactions.