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.

…on 12 April 2018 in a renovated old Dutch building, once the Headquarters of the Brigade responsible for security of the capital, named 'Sama Medura' — Mansion of Peace. Currently, Directorate of Overseas Operations has been stationed at the Defence Headquarters Complex, Battaramulla, Sri Lanka since 26 November 2019.