The initial chapters of the history of the 1 Engineer Services Regiment are exactly the same as the history of the Corps of Engineer Services as the Corps of Engineer Services and the 1 Engineer Services Regiment originated and evolved from the same Unit established on 10 January 1950 which was known as the 1 Works Section Ceylon Engineers.
Capt MLDA Perera who was commissioned on the same day as the First Garrison Engineer of the Unit and Staff Sergeant Labrooy who was enlisted few months later are considered as the pioneers of the Regiment. Capt MLDA Perera is also considered as the "Farther of the Corps of Engineer Services". Initially the 1 Works Section Ceylon Engineers was situated at the Army Headquarters premises and Other Ranks were accommodated in Echelon Barracks with I Ceylon Light Infantry Troops. Their administration was done by the Camp Commandant.
The 1 Works Section Ceylon Engineers was re-designated as the 3 Works Services Squadron Ceylon Engineers in 1951. In 1954, Rs 55 Million was allocated for the construction of Panagoda Army Cantonment and it was carried out by the Public Works Department. The Deputy Commander Ceylon Engineers (works) who was commanding the Unit was appointed as the Coordinating Officer. Due to the official requirement, the Unit HQ was shifted from AHQ to Panagoda where it is presently located. The Unit HQ was located in a building alongside the Public Works Department’s Staff Office. Accommodation and rationing of Works Services Troops were provided by the 1st Battalion of the Ceylon Light Infantry.
Again the name of the Unit was re-designated as the Works Services Ceylon Engineers in 1957. As per the Army Routine Order 09/92 dated 26 March 1992 the Unit was re-designated and raised as the 1 Engineer Services Regiment Sri Lanka Engineers with effect from 01 November 1991. Presently the Unit is commanded by Lt Col PAAS Perera CES.
