In the early stage of the project's implementation, however, land application and requisition and searching for engineering soil were the major problems facing the team. Jia said both the Chinese and Sri Lankan governments have offered a helping hand to solve these problems.

Amid complaints of dust from nearby communities, the company has set up more than 150 dust barriers for affected areas. "We've built dust nets and sprinklers to control dust to let local people know that we'll always take up these social responsibilities," Jia said.

Dust control is only one aspect of management's efforts for environmental-friendly construction. Before commencing the project, the company said it has worked with Sri Lanka's National Building Research Organization as well as the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau to monitor air, water, noise and other factors to reduce the effects on the environment.