13th Defence Services Games starts

The opening ceremony of the 13th Defence Services Games took place 12^th september at the Sri Lanka Army Indoor Stadium, under the support of Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, Commander of the Army and Chairman of the 13th Defence Services Games Board. Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa and Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, Commander of the Navy, also embellished the occasion with their presence.

Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu officially declared the 13th Defence Services Games open, followed by the lighting of the Defence Services Games flame by three athletes on behalf of the Tri-Forces. A highlight of the ceremony was the introduction of the official Mascot, ‘Keshara’ adding a special touch to the event.

Organized under the guidance of the Army Chief, this year’s tournament is hosted by the Sri Lanka Army with support from the Sri Lanka Air Force and Navy. The tournament will run until October 2025, with over 4,000 athletes participating across 39 sporting events from the Army, Air Force, and Navy.

Throughout history, Tri-Forces athletes, who have qualified through these tournaments, have brought numerous international medals to Sri Lanka. The opening ceremony was attended by the Chairpersons of sports committees, the Secretary of the Defence Services Sports Council, Officers, and sports personnel on behalf of the Tri-Forces sports teams, marking the commencement of one of the most anticipated events in the Sri Lankan sports calendar.