China power dam project brings locals opportunities

Nanayakkara, a Sri Lankan woman, started work at the Moragahakanda Dam (M Dam) in Sri Lanka in September, 2013. She is one of the local employees hired by the Power Construction Corporation of China (POWERCHINA), builder of the Molagakanda Reservoir project.

Located in the northeastern part of central Sri Lanka, the Molagakanda Reservoir is the largest hydro-junction in Sri Lanka. The dam has a capacity of 570 million cubic meters and a total installed capacity of 25,000 kilowatts. It is used for irrigation, water supply and power generation.

The construction of the dam began in 2007. It is expected to use its large reservoir capacity to store rainy season water for dry season use and divert central water to the north.

More than 4,000 Sri Lankans were hired to work on the project with Chinese colleagues. Nanayakkara said she quickly mastered office skills such as printing, copying and scanning documents thanks to the careful training of Hong Zhenquan, a Chinese colleague. She has also learned Chinese and has the chance to enjoy Chinese culture.

POWERCHINA's M Dam project department not only provides job opportunities and training for locals, but also offers donations to help local residents improve their living conditions, changing their lives.

Nanayakkara said the experience in the Molagakanda Reservoir project has taught Sri Lankan youth like her modern technology skills and helped them leave behind a life of farming in remote areas. Her Chinese colleagues' persistence regardless of difficulties, such as bad natural conditions, has inspired her to be more patient and responsible at work.

The M Dam project was officially completed and handed over on Jan 8, 2018, along with all the technical specifications and construction concepts from China. The dam has provided Sri Lanka with a new source of clean energy, alleviating local power shortages and benefiting the local economy and social development.

"Thanks to POWERCHINA for changing my hometown's traditional situation of depending on the weather for food. It makes me feel warm and powerful!" Nanayakkara said happily.

Nanayakkara (R) and her friends work at the Moragahakanda Dam project. [Photo/POWERCHINA]