A significant decrease in dust particles below the 10 micrometre level is witnessed in the Colombo city, Environment Ministry Air Resources Management Center data revealed.

Dust particles less than 10 micrometre level has decreased to 60 micro grams within a cubic meter of air. This was 72 micro grams before 2008.

According to Ministry sources the motor vehicles emission test initiated by the Environment Ministry has contributed towards this positive change.

"The motor vehicle emission test is being carried out successfully in every province except in the North and East provinces.

This controls the air pollution caused by vehicles to a considerable degree. This program operates under the concept polluter pays," Environment Ministry Media Secretary Thusitha Hulloluwa told the Daily News.

The center has tested 1,881,430 vehicles by the end of the March this year. The Environment Minister has advised to carry on this test more efficiently.

The decrease of dust particles is good news for those who live and commute in the Colombo city, he said.