COLOMBO, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese company on Thursday began construction of two main underground tunnels in Sri Lanka's Colombo metro area which will prevent the threat of floods in the future.

The two main underground tunnels, named the New Mutwal and Torrington tunnels, are constructed by the China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering Co. Limited (CPPE) after an agreement was signed between Sri Lanka's Megapolis and Western Development Ministry and CPPE.

The 778 meter New Mutwal Tunnel will run through some of the most populated areas in Colombo which are at a heavy risk of floods and will successfully lead rain waters into the ocean, preventing future flooding.

The 4.3 kilometers Torrington Tunnel will also lead rain waters into the ocean to prevent flooding.

"This is the first tunnel construction to mitigate flooding in the north Colombo area after the British rule," Minister of Megapolis and Western Development Champika Ranawaka told reporters.

"The people of this area will benefit from this project within a year after it completes construction," the minister added.

According to the CPPE side, the Mutwal and Torrington Tunnels Project was a major "for the people" project which will solve the urban flooding issues of Colombo city and greatly benefit the Sri Lankan people.

It was also CPPE's first project in Sri Lanka and while carrying out this project, the company has assumed the social responsibilities as a company and has strived to become a contributor to the growth of Sri Lanka. Up to 75 percent of the workforce employed in the Mutwal and Torrington tunnels project were local.

The project is funded by the World Bank and is expected to be completed in May next year.