It was made up of personnel from other regiments and units assigned for President's protection.

A permanent detachment of armored cars was present at Temple Trees during the 1960s and 1970s.

Prior to the formation of the President's Guard, army personnel served as a squadron under the President's Security Division since 1996 and focused on key tasks including the perimeter security of Presidential residence, Temple Trees.

The 5th Regiment Sri Lanka Armoured Corps was the first army unit chosen to provide the dedicated security for the President of Sri Lanka during the presidency of Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga.

After the unit's formation in 2008, all army personnel came under the command of this unit independent from the President's Security Division which is primarily made up of and commanded by Police personnel.