CISM Day Run - 2026 kicks off in Galle Face

The International Military Sport Council (CISM) Day Run 2026 was flagged off under the patronage of the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo in Galle Face on 07 Mar 26. Organised by the Sri Lanka Navy and steered by the Commander of the Navy and President of the Defence Services Sports Board, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, the event saw the participation of military personnel and sports enthusiasts.

Founded on 18 February 1948, in Nice, France, the International Military Sports Council (CISM) operates under the motto "Friendship through Sport," aiming to resolve conflicts between nations and promote peace and camaraderie. Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, the organization was pioneered by Belgium, Denmark, Luxembourg, France, and the Netherlands. Today, it stands as one of the world's largest multidisciplinary organizations, representing the armed forces of 140 member nations and organizing a vast array of global sporting events. To commemorate its founding, member states hold the CISM Day Run annually on or around 18 February.

Today's event kicked off at the Colombo Lighthouse, covering a distance of over 02 kilometers via the Galle Face Roundabout, before returning to conclude at the starting point near the Colombo Lighthouse.

The Chiefs of Staff of the Navy and Air Force; Rear Admiral Damian Fernando and Air Vice Marshal Lasitha Sumanaweera respectively, officers, other ranks and a group of wheel-chair bound veterans also took part in this year’s CISM Day Run.