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Poor air quality due to polluted air from India: NBRO

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Referring to the air quality in many parts of having reached unhealthy levels, the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) said the poor air quality is caused by polluted air originating from India as well as locally generated pollutants.

According to the real-time Air Quality Index (AQI), the air quality in many parts of the country has reached unhealthy levels, particularly in cities.

The air quality in areas such as Kilinochchi, Trincomalee, Chilaw, Mullaitivu, Puttalam, Dambulla, Matale, Negombo, Kandy, Colombo, Ratnapura, Batticaloa, Kurunegala, Mahiyanganaya, Gampaha, Ambalantota, Galle, Bandarawela, Monaragala, and Polonnaruwa has dropped to unhealthy levels.

Commenting on the matter, an official from the NBRO told Daily Mirror that this is due to winds blowing from India these days.

“As such, the poor air quality is caused by polluted air originating from India as well as locally generated pollutants,” he said.

This phenomenon is called ‘transboundary air pollution,’ which refers to pollution transported through the atmosphere from one country or region to another, often undergoing chemical transformation in the process.

“Although the situation is expected to improve within the next couple of days, people with respiratory complications are advised to take precautions, such as wearing masks and staying indoors,” he added.

(dailymirror.lk)

(This story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

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Rains expected in several areas today

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Several spells of showers will occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in the Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle and Matara districts today (July 02), the Department of Meteorology said.

A few showers may occur in the Jaffna and Mannar districts.

Fairly strong winds of about 30-40kmph can be expected at times over the Western slopes of the central hills and in the Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in the Trincomalee and Hambantota districts.

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IMF Executive Board approves Sri Lanka’s 4th review

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The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the Fourth review under the 48-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) Arrangement, allowing the authorities to draw about US$350 million, said Evan Papageorgiou, IMF Mission Chief for Sri Lanka.

This brings the total IMF financial support disbursed so far to about US$1.74 billion.

“The EFF arrangement for Sri Lanka was approved by the Executive Board on March 20, 2023 in an amount of SDR 2.286 billion (395 percent of quota or about US$3 billion). The program supports Sri Lanka’s efforts to durably restore macroeconomic stability by (i) restoring fiscal and debt sustainability while protecting the vulnerable, (ii) safeguarding price and financial sector stability, (iii) rebuilding external buffers, (iv) strengthening governance and reducing corruption vulnerabilities, and (v) enhancing growth-oriented structural reforms.”

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Cabinet approval for online traffic fine payment system – Bimal

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Minister of Transport and Highways Bimal Rathnayake has said that Cabinet approval has been granted to implement an islandwide online traffic fine payment system.

He made this statement during a media briefing near the Kottawa Expressway entrance, following a public awareness programme on mandatory seat belt use for vehicles travelling on expressways.

“The Cabinet approved the proposal today. At present, the online fine payment system is available only between Kurunegala and Anuradhapura. Now, we’re providing all police units with mobile devices, so that from this year, traffic fines can be paid from anywhere via mobile phones… Rather than paying fines, we urge everyone to drive carefully, wear seat belts, and avoid violations. Our core message is simple, travel safely,” the minister has said.

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