Sri Lanka Railways M2. The Sri Lanka Railways Class M2 is a class of Diesel-electric locomotive that was developed in 1954 by General Motors Diesel, Canada, and Electro-Motive Division, US for the use in Sri Lanka Railways. This is considered as one of the most successful locomotives in Sri Lanka.

It is a General Motors Diesel (Canada) EMD G12 model using the EMD 567C,  engine.

Description

Introduction
From 1954, several batches of General Motors-manufactured locomotives were imported to Sri Lanka under "The Colombo Plan". Locally called a "Canadian" engine – there are actually two classes of Canadian Locomotives in Sri Lankan Railways; the other one is Class M4. Since these locomotives were imported under grants from the Canadian government, class M2 locomotives are named with Canadian province and city names. Out of all 14, The last two locomotives; No. 628 and No. 629, were made in the United States and imported for Cement Corporation, Sri Lanka. But they were later attached to Sri Lanka Railways' locomotive fleet. They were named after two local cities – Kankesanthurai and Galle – where the cement factories were located respectively.

First five of the 14 Locomotives were officially handed over to the Government of Sri Lanka in December 1954, at a Ceremony with the Participation of Prime Minister Sir John Kotelawala and Chief Mechanical Engineer B. D. Rampala.

Class M2 locomotives are classified in to 5 Sub classes and they were imported to Sri Lanka separately in 1954, 1958, 1959, 1961, and 1966 respectively.

Entering into service and the Three Sisters
Class M2 Locomotives entered service in January 1955. In 1955, Government of Sri Lanka introduced three main Luxury Express Passenger trains which from Colombo to Matara, Jaffna and Badulla. Due their female names, they were locally famous as the Three Sisters.

 On 24 October 1955, Colombo-Matara Ruhunu Kumari Express was inaugurated by Class M2 572 British Columbia, making it the first Long Distance luxury Passenger Service in Sri Lanka.
 On 23 April 1956, Colombo-Jaffna Yarl Devi Express was inaugurated by Class M2 569 Ontario locomotive.
 On 23 April 1956, Colombo-Badulla Udarata Menike Express was inaugurated by Class M2 572 British Columbia locomotive.

Other than these trains, Class M2s hauled many important Passenger, Freight and Oil trains. With their Introduction, Efficiency, and Comfortability of the Sri Lanka Railways was rapidly increased in 1960s, which was undoubtedly known as the Golden Age of Sri Lanka Railways.

Subclasses

In service
From the 1950s, Class M2 locomotives has been used in Both passenger and freight trains on Sri Lanka's railways for over 60 years. Despite the introduction of more modern types of traction, as of 2024, a significant number are still in use.

Class M2 Locomotives were able to drive in every Railway Line in Sri Lanka except for the Kelani Valley Railroad due to its limitations. But on 7 July 2024, A Special Trial Ballast train hauled by Class M2A 591 Manitoba locomotive was driven in the Kelani Valley Railway line from Colombo to Avissawella order to check its efficiency and durability. The Trial was reportedly successful and another Special Ballast train was driven to Avissawella on 9 October 2024 hauled by Class M2 573 Quebec.

Notable Trains 

 Used to Haul Colombo-Jaffna Yarl Devi Express and Night Mail Express. Now Retired. Replaced by Class M10 & M11 Locomotives.
 Used to Haul Colombo-Badulla Udarata Menike Express and Podi Menike Express. Now Retired. Replaced by Class S14 Diesel Multiple Units.
 Used to Haul Colombo-Matara Ruhunu Kumari Express. Now Retired. Replaced by Class S13 Diesel Multiple Units. 
 Used to Haul Colombo-Badulla Night Mail Express. Last used in 2018–19. Served with Class M6 Locomotives. Now Retired.
 Used to Haul No. 1009/10 Prestigious Colombo-Kandy Intercity Express. Served with Class M6 Locomotives. Partially Retired. Used occasionally. 
 Used to Haul No. 8050 Colombo-Matara Express. Still in Service.
 Used to Haul Colombo-Batticaloa Meenagaya Intercity Express. Still in Service.
 Used to Haul Colombo-Batticaloa Udaya-Devi Express. Still in Service.
 Used to Haul Colombo-Trincomalee Night Mail Express. Now Retired. Replaced by Class M8 & M11 Locomotives. 
 Used to Haul Colombo-Puttalam Mixed Train. Still in Service.

Other than these trains, Class M2 Locomotives are being used to haul Oil and Freight Trains across the Country. As of 2024, They are still used for Regional trains in Northern and Batticaloa Railway Lines.

Locomotive fleet

Accidents and incidents

 No. 570 Alberta was trapped in KKS Running Shed from 1989 to 1997 due to the Civil-war after hauling the Last Night Mail Express to Kankasanthurei. Brought to Colombo by "Lanka Muditha" ship as parts, re-assembled and put back on the track.
 Number 571 Saskatchewan was completely destroyed on 14 September 1985 near the village of Mollipothana in Trincomalee, due to a Bomb blast by LTTE terrorists.
 Number 572 British Columbia hauled the Mannar-Colombo Night Mail Express which was Accidentally derailed near Wilwatte in Mirigama on the Early Morning of 16 October 1964 which killed 26 and injured 130 passengers.
 Number 572 British Columbia hauled an Oil Train which was Derailed due to an Act of Sabotage in Batticaloa in November 1989.
 Number 570 Alberta faced minor damage when a land mine exploded in Punani on 7 June 2007.
 Number 570 Alberta which hauled Vavuniya-Matara Express was severely damaged as a result of Colliding with a train at Pothuhera, Kurunegala on 30 April 2014.
 Number 591 Manitoba was damaged on 26 December 2004 when pulling the Matara Express and was hit by the Indian Ocean tsunami, and added back to service after four months. This locomotive was repainted to depict a sea wave on its livery.
 Number 628 Kankasanthurai was badly damaged by a land mine, but was rebuilt.
Class M2 Locomotives celebrated their Golden Jubilee in service in 2004. A Special Train hauled by a Class M2 Locomotive reached Jaffna to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of its Service in 2014.

Gallery

References

M02
Electro-Motive Division locomotives
General Motors Diesel locomotives
A1A-A1A locomotives
Bo-Bo locomotives
Railway locomotives introduced in 1954
5 ft 6 in gauge locomotives