With the establishment of the Ceylon Army in October 1948, a Provost Section was raised.

On 1 October 1951 the establishment was increased to that of a company, and Capt E.R.P De Zilwa was appointed officer commanding.

In 1959 the company was elevated to the level of the unit, and the commanding officer was promoted lieutenant colonel.

Specialized branches such as the Special Investigations Branch and the Traffic School were included to the establishment by the provost in order to counter various crimes and also misconduct and infringement of road rules on public highways by army personnel.

Ex-Military Policemen's Association, administered by its President Douglas Walisundara and Secretary, D.U.A.