Over a decade, selection, deployment and rotation of peacekeepers were undertaken by a small team known as “UN Cell” which functioned under the Directorate of Operations. Under the current changes of political dynamics in the world our contribution towards the international peacekeeping has become a complex multi-dimensional challenge. In this context, to accomplish our vision in world peace by providing sophisticated and multi-faceted skills, the Commander of the Army, architected the establishment of Directorate of Overseas Operations exclusively to handle international peacekeeping and overseas operational commitments under General Staff Branch.

The new directorate was established on the 12 April 2018, in a renovated old Dutch building which was once Headquarters of the Brigade in charge of security of the capital, and named “Sama Medura” – Mansion of Peace. Presently, Directorate of Overseas operations has been deployed at Defence Headquarters Complex Sri Jayawardanapura, Sri Lanka since 26 November 2019.