The original locomotive involved in the Peraliya train disaster was not used for this year’s Tsunami Train commemorative run, railway officials announced.

The Railway Department operated the symbolic service to Matara on 26 December using a substitute engine to mark 21 years since the 2004 tsunami.

Officials said the original locomotive, used in previous commemorations, could not be deployed due to a technical fault. 

A defect in the engine’s axle was identified on Friday(26) morning, preventing it from being cleared for service.