The Garrison Engineer Office in Trincomalee, which was established in 1960 in the eastern province and shut down in 1973, was re-established in 1987 due to the operational requirements. In 1990, the Garrison Engineer Office – Ampara was also established and Lt DGP Kolonne ESR was appointed as the Garrison Engineer. In 1994, the Garrison Engineer Office – Batticaloa was established and Capt NP Ranaweera ESR was appointed as the Garrison Engineer. Subsequently with the expansion of the Infantry Battalions and deployment of new Divisions for administrative purposes all over the country, the requirement of an Engineer Services Regiment was arisen to cater the Engineer Services requirements in the eastern province. Therefore, the 3 Engineer Services Regiment was established on 11 March 1996, where the present Garrison Engineer Office – Minneriya is located. Lt Col WR Wasanthakumara who was appointed as the first Commanding Officer, first Quarter Master Lt (QM) PA Wilbert ESR, first Regimental Sargent Major Warrant Officer I TA Ruberu and 10 Other Ranks initially involved in establishment of the Regiment. The Garrison Engineer Office -Trincomalee, The Garrison Engineer Office –Ampara and the Garrison Engineer Office – Batticaloa was taken under the command of the 3 Engineer Services Regiment.
The present approved Unit Establishment is 34 Officers and 590 Other Ranks and the Unit is Presently the Regiment is commanded by Lt Col. H K C K Hettiarachchi CES.
