SRI LANKA PROUDLY HOSTS 80TH CISM GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND CONGRESS IN COLOMBO
11:03pm on Monday 19th May 2025
The 80th General Assembly and Congress of the International Military Sports Council (CISM) officially commenced today (19 May 2025), at the Grand Maitland Hotel in Colombo. The event was held under the patronage of the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd). The Commanders of the Air Force and Navy, were also in attendance. The assembly began with the address by the President of CISM, Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho. It was followed by the keynote speech delivered by the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda. During the ceremony, the Deputy Minister of Defence, attending as the Chief Guest, also addressed the gathering.
Following the conclusion of the official proceedings, a press conference was held at the same venue, where CISM officials engaged with the media to highlight the significance of the event and discuss its objectives and future direction.
This occasion marks a significant milestone for Sri Lanka, highlighting the capacity to host events of international stature. The 80th General Assembly and Congress of the International Military Sports Council (CISM), recognized as the second-largest sports conference in the world after the International Olympic Committee, witnessed the participation of nearly 300 foreign delegates from 80 member countries across four continents.
The 80th General Assembly and Congress will be held from 17 to 23 May 2025 in Colombo. All related matters are being organized under the coordination of the Defence Services Sports Board.
The General Assembly and Congress of the World Military Sports Council (CISM) serves as its highest decision-making body, comprising representatives from member nations. Held annually, it is responsible for setting policy, electing the President and Board of Directors, planning future events, organizing world military games and approving the annual budget and core programs.
As the host of the 80th General Assembly, Sri Lanka has appointed a local organizing committee from the three armed forces to ensure the event proceeds in a formal and well-structured manner.
Hosting the CISM General Assembly is of global significance as it advances military sports, develops international cooperation and diplomacy and encourages cultural exchange and camaraderie among military personnel worldwide.
Following the conclusion of the official proceedings, a press conference was held at the same venue, where CISM officials engaged with the media to highlight the significance of the event and discuss its objectives and future direction.
This occasion marks a significant milestone for Sri Lanka, highlighting the capacity to host events of international stature. The 80th General Assembly and Congress of the International Military Sports Council (CISM), recognized as the second-largest sports conference in the world after the International Olympic Committee, witnessed the participation of nearly 300 foreign delegates from 80 member countries across four continents.
The 80th General Assembly and Congress will be held from 17 to 23 May 2025 in Colombo. All related matters are being organized under the coordination of the Defence Services Sports Board.
The General Assembly and Congress of the World Military Sports Council (CISM) serves as its highest decision-making body, comprising representatives from member nations. Held annually, it is responsible for setting policy, electing the President and Board of Directors, planning future events, organizing world military games and approving the annual budget and core programs.
As the host of the 80th General Assembly, Sri Lanka has appointed a local organizing committee from the three armed forces to ensure the event proceeds in a formal and well-structured manner.
Hosting the CISM General Assembly is of global significance as it advances military sports, develops international cooperation and diplomacy and encourages cultural exchange and camaraderie among military personnel worldwide.
Opening Ceremony
Press Conference
