DEFENCE SERVICES GAMES END WITH A VIBRANT CEREMONY

In a dazzling display of athleticism and camaraderie, the closing ceremony of the Defence Services Games 2022/2023, the pinnacle of the Defence Services sports calendar, unfolded at the Sugathadasa Outdoor Stadium in Colombo yesterday (24th November) evening. The State Minister of Defence, Honourable Premitha Bandara Tennakoon graced the occasion as the chief guest.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour at the invitation of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksha, on behalf of the hosting force of the 12th Defence Services Games.

The evening unfolded with a vibrant showcase of talent, featuring the music and performances of the multi-coloured Tri-Service bands. This year’s closing ceremony marked another significance as it recorded the first ever Night Parachute Jump Display for any local ceremony. General Shavendra Silva took the opportunity to extend his congratulations to the Commander of the Air Force and the organising committee of this year’s defence games. He also expressed his best wishes to the participating athletes for a brighter future in the field of sports. The CDS also emphasised the importance of sportsmanship to make disciplined and healthy military personnel.

Addressing the evening gathering, the chief guest of the event Honourable Premitha Bandara Tennakoon stated that the sport not only promotes a healthy life but teaches many lessons for the life of any personality. The State Minister stated that the ability to successfully face any challenging situation is among those important teachings. Addressing further, the State Minister stressed that sport is a better mean to practice and promote harmony in the nation. He further stressed that these events of the armed forces make the best platform for young and talented individuals to represent the nation in the international arena and invited all the military personnel to make this an opportunity to show their talents to the globe. He also commended the effort of the Armed forces in producing the most number of national level athletes to the nation.

As the curtains fell on this edition, the Sri Lanka Army emerged as the undisputed champion of the year. The event not only celebrated the achievements of the Armed Forces in the sporting arena but also reinforced the bonds of unity and camaraderie among the members of the Defence Forces. Secretary to the Ministry of Defence General Kamal Gunarathna (Retd) WWV RWP RSP USP ndc psc MPhil , Tri-Service Commanders, and many Tri-Service senior officers attended to witness and convey their congratulations.