In addition to its classic role, SLEME is tasked to function essential services such as electricity (power generation), water supply drainage, and railways during times of workers unrest and strikes.

The CEME first became operative as a small workshop, located in the Army Headquarters premises under the advisory capacity of Capt.

Activities were initially confined to minor repairs to mechanical transport vehicles, armaments, small arms, and the production of a large number of training stores.

The unit moved to Kew Road, Slave Island (where its present Regiment Centre is) on 1 September 1950.

[5] After Sri Lanka became a republic in the year 1972 the British queens crown (Regalia) which adored every state symbol up to this time was replaced by the 'Dharmachakraya' symbol instead which included the CEME emblem and CEME was renamed into SLEME (Sri Lanka Electrical and Mechanical Engineers).