POWERCHINA's water diversion projects in Sri Lanka

The Power Construction Corporation of China (POWERCHINA), is building a "South-to-North Water Diversion Project" in Sri Lanka.

The Moragahakanda and Kaluganga dams (M Dam and K Dam), projects undertaken by POWERCHINA's Sinohydro Bureau 14 Co, are both important for water conservancy and promoted by the president of Sri Lanka.

As K Dam will channel water to M Dam, the two projects are dubbed the Sri Lankan version of the "South-to-North Water Diversion Project".

In June 2012, Sinohydro Bureau 14 Co signed an EPC contract with Sri Lanka for the M Dam, whose construction started one month later, with funds from China Development Bank and the government of Sri Lanka.

The Moragahakanda Dam currently being constructed by POWERCHINA's Sinohydro in Sri Lanka [Photo provided by POWERCHINA]

Upon completion, M Dam will create a giant reservoir in the border area between Sri Lanka's middle and eastern provinces, which will once and for all solve the severe water shortage problems that have plagued the region over the past 30 years. M Dam will also greatly improve the area's agriculture industry, power supply and emergency reaction ability in flood seasons

Founded in April 2014, K Dam is not only channeling water to M Dam, but also increasing the irrigation capacity of the Mahaweli River in central Sri Lanka and bolstering the water supply for agricultural and industrial uses in the central and northern provinces.

The construction of both the M and K dams are suffering from the subtropical marine monsoon climate. However, Sinohydro Bureau 14 Co has managed to minimize the damage of the constant rain.

M Dam will soon be fully operational, whereas K Dam is about 70 percent completed, ahead of schedule.

POWERCHINA hired locals for many positions, helping them to gain valuable construction experience and professional skills.

Local employees pose at the construction site [Photo provided by POWERCHINA]

In addition to stimulating the regional economy, the two projects are also spreading the laudable brand image of Sinohydro and POWERCHINA.