“Army Carves Out Glory as Tri Forces Games Draw to a Close”

The 13th Defence Services Games 2024/2025 concluded successfully on 12 January at the Army Cantonment, Panagoda, with a colourful and dignified closing ceremony attended by senior Tri Forces leadership. Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), gracing the occasion as Chief Guest, paid tribute to the war heroes whose sacrifices secured lasting peace and national unity, enabling the Armed Forces to excel not only in defence responsibilities but also in the field of sports.

Highlighting the outstanding contribution of Tri Forces athletes to Sri Lanka’s national and international sporting success, the Deputy Minister emphasised the importance of structured training, long-term planning, and sustained institutional support. He noted that achieving an Olympic medal at the 2028 Games should be a collective national goal, underscoring the need to develop military athletes to international standards.

More than 4,000 sportsmen and sportswomen from the Sri Lanka Army, Navy, and Air Force competed in 39 sporting events, displaying exceptional discipline, skill, and sportsmanship throughout the Games. The Sri Lanka Army emerged as overall champions, while the Sri Lanka Air Force secured the runners-up position. In keeping with tradition, the Defence Services Games flag was ceremonially handed over to the Navy, designating it as the organising service for the 2026/2027 Games, formally bringing the 13th Defence Services Games to a close.