13th Defence Services Games 2024/2025 Conclude with Grand Closing Ceremony at Panagoda

The 13^th Defence Services Games 2024/2025 concluded successfully with a colourful and dignified closing ceremony held yesterday (12 January) at the Army Cantonment, Panagoda.

The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his address, The Deputy Minister of Defence paid tribute to the war heroes whose sacrifices ensured lasting peace and national unity, enabling the Armed Forces to continue excelling not only in defence duties but also in sports. The Deputy Minister of Defence further highlighted the significant contribution of Tri Forces athletes to Sri Lanka's national and international sporting achievements, noting that a large proportion of the country's medal winners at regional and global competitions represent the Armed Forces.

Emphasising the importance of structured training and sustained support, the Deputy Minister stated that winning a medal at the 2028 Olympic Games should be a collective target, underscoring the need to develop military athletes to international standards.

At the conclusion of the Games, the Sri Lanka Army emerged as the overall champions of the 13^th Defence Services Games 2024/2025, while the Sri Lanka Air Force secured the runners-up position.

The closing ceremony, organised by the Sri Lanka Army, honoured the achievements of athletes who demonstrated exceptional talent, discipline and sportsmanship throughout the Games, which saw the participation of over 4,000 sportsmen and sportswomen from tri services competing in 39 sporting events.

Tri Forces Commanders, senior Tri Forces officers, and a large number of sportsmen and sportswomen representing the Tri Forces were present at the colourful closing ceremony.

In keeping with tradition, the Defence Services Games Flag was symbolically handed over by the Commander of the Army to the Deputy Minister of Defence and subsequently handed over to the Commander of the Navy, designating the Navy as the next organising service for the Defence Services Games 2026/2027. Thereafter, the 13^th Defence Services Games were officially declared closed.