Sri Lanka Railways M3

In 1955 the state owned Ceylon Government Railway, now the Sri Lanka Railways, manufactured Sri Lanka's "first" diesel-electric locomotive using old spares of withdrawn Class S1 DMU power sets. This locomotive was named as "Jayanthi" and classified Class M3 - 589. The locomotive was put to service on 5 September 1956. Two years later, in 1958, the then Ceylon Government Railway manufactured another locomotive and Classified it as Class M3 590.

Sri Lanka Railways class M3
Sri lanka's First Manufactured Diesel electric locomotive.
Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder Sri Lanka Railways Build date 1956 Total produced 2
Specifications Configuration: ​  • AAR Bo-Bo Gauge 5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) Loco weight 47 tons Fuel type Diesel Prime mover English Electric 2 x Willans type H6 Engine type 6 cylinder 4 stroke diesel Transmission Diesel-electric transmission Loco brake Vacuum
Performance figures Maximum speed 55 mph (89 km/h) Power output 2 x 180 hp (130 kW)
Career Operators Ceylon Government Railway » Sri Lanka Railways Numbers 589 & 590 Official name Jayanthi Locale Sri Lanka First run 5 September 1956 Scrapped 2002 Disposition scrapped

The reconditioned Jayanthi was built at the Ratmalana Railway Workshop under the guidance of chief engineer, Mr. Raj Gopal. The locomotive made its maiden journey on 5 September 1956. The inauguration of the train was declared open by Maithreepala Senanayaka, Minister of Transportation, 1956 government. Currently, the locomotive is scrapped.

References

• "Class M3 Locomotive". www.ceylonrailway.com.