The 80th General Assembly and Congress of the International Military Sports Council (CISM) concluded successfully on 23 May 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 at the occasion. 

The conference, which was held for seven days from 17-23 May, was attended by nearly 300 foreign delegates from 80 member countries representing four continents. 

On 19 May, the 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 the conference, which was held in 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, 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 members of the Board of Directors were formally farewelled, and the upcoming board elections were officially declared.

A medal awarding ceremony recognised 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, organising world military games and approving the annual budget and core programmes.

As the host of the 80th General Assembly, Sri Lanka had appointed a local organising 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.