80TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND CONGRESS OF THE INTERNATIONAL MILITARY SPORTS COUNCIL (CISM) CONCLUDED SUCCESSFULLY
11:34pm on Friday 23rd May 2025
The 80th General Assembly and Congress of the International Military Sports Council (CISM) concluded successfully today (23 May 2025) at the Grand Maitland Hotel. The Chief Guest of the closing ceremony was the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) and the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, who is the President of the Defence Services Sports Board for the years 2024/25, the Vice Presidents, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagodage and the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, were present.
This conference, which was held for 07 days from 17th May to 23rd May 2025, was attended by nearly 300 foreign delegates from 80 member countries representing 04 continents. On 19th May 2025, this General Assembly and conference officially commenced at the Grand Maitland Hotel premises under the patronage of the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd). All the activities of this conference, which was held in the Colombo, were carried out by the tri-services under the coordination of the Defence Services Sports Board.
On the final day of the 80th CISM General Assembly and Congress, held today, the proceedings began with an opening address by the CISM President, followed by the approval of the agenda and the minutes of the 79th General Assembly. The CISM Secretary General then explained the voting procedures and presented key decision files for voting. The session continued with the introduction of new Chiefs of Delegations and the presentation of the statutory calendar for 2025–2029. Voting results were announced, outgoing Board of Directors members were formally farewelled, and the upcoming Board elections were officially declared. A medal awarding ceremony recognized notable contributions and the day concluded with a closing address by the CISM President, followed by the formal closing ceremony of the Assembly and Congress.
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 had 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.
This conference, which was held for 07 days from 17th May to 23rd May 2025, was attended by nearly 300 foreign delegates from 80 member countries representing 04 continents. On 19th May 2025, this General Assembly and conference officially commenced at the Grand Maitland Hotel premises under the patronage of the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd). All the activities of this conference, which was held in the Colombo, were carried out by the tri-services under the coordination of the Defence Services Sports Board.
On the final day of the 80th CISM General Assembly and Congress, held today, the proceedings began with an opening address by the CISM President, followed by the approval of the agenda and the minutes of the 79th General Assembly. The CISM Secretary General then explained the voting procedures and presented key decision files for voting. The session continued with the introduction of new Chiefs of Delegations and the presentation of the statutory calendar for 2025–2029. Voting results were announced, outgoing Board of Directors members were formally farewelled, and the upcoming Board elections were officially declared. A medal awarding ceremony recognized notable contributions and the day concluded with a closing address by the CISM President, followed by the formal closing ceremony of the Assembly and Congress.
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 had 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.
