Sri Lanka Railways M5
The Sri Lanka Railways Class M5 is a type of diesel-electric locomotive. The class was ordered to strengthen the diesel locomotive fleet of Sri Lanka Railways.
The Class M5 became a familiar sight on Main Line of SLR. They performed on Sri Lanka's railroad for few years.
Sub-class M5B and M5C are currently used in Upcountry Commuter Rails.
History
Background
In order to replace steam locomotives and also to increase the diesel locomotive fleet of SLR, 16 diesel-electric locomotives were ordered from Hitachi and were delivered in 1979.Decline
After few years of operation, due to technical problems, M5 class locomotives were taken out of service.Sub-Classes
Considering the decline of original Class M5 locomotives, SLR refurbished some selected M5 locomotives as a part of the Transportation Rehabilitation Project. Refurbished locomotives were allocated in to 3 sub-classes namely, M5A, M5B and M5C.| Sub Class | Image | Description |
| M5A | M5 No. 769 was fitted with a new prime mover of model MTU V12 396TC13 which was a spare prime mover of a S8 DMU. Condemned due to an electrical failure. | |
| M5B | 4 locomotives were fitted with new Paxman Valenta V12 RP200L prime movers. In Use. | |
| M5C | The M5 locomotives 767, 771, 776, 779, 781, 782 and 775 were fitted with new Caterpillar prime movers. This new locomotive class was called M5C. This class M5Cs known to Sri Lankan railway enthusiasts as "Cat" |