By the late 1990s, the required Engineer Services for the Troops deployed in Jaffna Peninsula were carried out only by Garrison Engineer Office (Palali) that was functioned under the 2 Engineer Services Regiment located in Anuradhapura. Later due to the administrative requirements of Operation Riviresa, three Garrison Engineer Offices were newly established at HQ 51 DIV, HQ 52 DIV and HQ 54 DIV (Elephantpass). Also due to the operational requirements a forward HQ of 2 Engineer Services Regiment was established at Garrison Engineer Office (Palali).
Since the requirement of Engineer Services were rapidly increased due to the “Operation Sath Jaya” and subsequent Operations, in order to facilitate the Command and Control, the 5 Engineer Services Regiment was initially established as the 5 Engineer Services Regiment (Reinforcement) on 28 January 1997 at Roman Catholic Primary School Building located adjoining the Kankasanthurei Railway Station.
On 28 January 1997, Maj RAN Perera SLE assumed duties as the Officer Commanding Troops. Maj NP Ranaweera SLE was appointed as the first Second in Command, Lt YKS Rangika SLE was appointed as the first Adjutant and Lt (QM) BM Jayasundara Banda SLE was appointed as the first Quarter Master. Also WO I WDR Samaranayake was appointed as the first Regimental Sergeant Major.
The 5 Engineer Services Regiment (Rft) was raised as an Engineer Services Regiment, with effect from 13 August 2009. Maj GDHK Wijenayake CES who had been performing duties as the Officer Commanding Troops assumed duties as the first Officiating Commanding Officer of the 5 Engineer Services Regiment.
Presently the Regiment is commanded by MAJ TGSC Thalagahawatte USP psc Lsc CES (Offg)
