The 23rd Battalion was raised on 1st August 2009 at Gajasinghepura. 20 officers and 545 soldiers were drawn from the other Sinha Regiment Battalions to make up its cadre.
Lieutenant Colonel WW Rathnapriya Bandu RWP RSP was appointed as its Commanding Officer.
Soon after forming up, the Battalion moved to Pallikudu, Pooneryn to perform duties under the command of 661 Brigade of 66 Division.
Apart from conducting post conflict security duties, the Battalion was also engaged in activity related to the resettlement of displaced persons. The areas allocated for the resettlement being heavily mined, the personnel of the Battalion worked around the clock to clear the mines.On completion of de-mining, the Battalions personnel were employed in work relating to the construction of infrastructure facilities for those being resettled.
Lieutenant Colonel RW Ponnamperumapsc assumed his duties as the Commanding Officer on 17thFebruary 2010.
The Battalion under went Battalion Training at the Battalion Training School, Arsapurakulam from 17th November to 27th December 2011 after which it moved to Pooneryn.
On 18th May 2012 the Battalion moved to Sengamuwa in the Eastern Province and was deployed in Kumana, Okanda, Panama, Arugambay, Pottuvil, Lahugala&Sangamankanda. Being deployed in the East, the Battalion engages in work related to the ongoing development activities and are involved in activity that promotes inter racial harmony.
Major WMDHRK Welikanna RWP was appointed as the Commanding Officer (overlooking) on 17th July 2013.
Troops engaged in work related to rehabilitating places of religious worship
On 25th January 2014 Lieutenant Colonel PANA Perera was appointed as the Commanding Officer of the Battalion.
