Two Chinese firms have funded the construction of five wells in the North-East, worth over $14,000, after a request by a local NGO.
The China Communications Construction Company Colombo Port City Project Company and the China Harbor Sri Lanka Area Company donated $14,400 towards constructing the wells in the Puthukkudiyiruppu area.
Vice General Manager of China Harbor Sri Lanka Area Company, Deng Bo told Xinhua on Wednesday that while Sri Lanka has made obvious development and progress in the recent years, the dilemma of having clean water in the northern region still existed.
The NGO which requested the wells, Scar Vita Humanitarian Aid and Relief Project - Sri Lanka (SHARP), said the construction of the wells was one of the active demands of the north-eastern residents and the construction of these wells would greatly improve the living conditions of the locals.
"Most of the residents in Puthukkudiyiruppu earn a little salary by part-time work and fishing. Some of the villagers still live under the poverty line, and their living standard is low. The construction work of these wells is one of the active demands of local residents, and this work will greatly improve their living conditions. However, the lack of capital had made this work become a very tough task," General Manager of SHARP Sumith Balasuriya said, adding that the donation from the Chinese companies will drastically help solve the issue.