Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Eng. Karunasena Hettiarchchi accompanied by Mrs. Hettiarchchi attended as the chief guest of the closing ceremony held this evening.

The 18th 'Sri Lanka Army Para Games - 2015' saw more than 450 differently able Army War Heroes vie for supremacy in 14 track & field events and games during the three day long sports festival.

Representatives from India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia and Nepal also took part at this year's games.

During the colourful closing ceremony attended by a large number of athletes and service personnel the chief guest presented awards and certificates to the sporting stars that shone at the games this year.

Speaking at the ceremony the Secretary reminded those present of the national service committed by these war heroes in safeguarding the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country. Recollecting his memories of his youth he said that both he and his wife are avid sports enthusiasts and that his wife was a record holding sprinter during her younger days.

Thanking the foreign participants he requested them to have a larger presence at the 19th para games next year. The army also came under praise of the Secretary for organizing such a sporting event and also reminded those present of the accolades brought to the country by military para athletes at international sporting events. He asked the athletes to strive with confidence in all their activities.

During the ceremony a memento was presented to the Secretary by Major General Jagath Dias, Chairman of the Army Para Olympic Committee.

Sri Lanka Light Infantry took away the overall championship trophy while the Gajaba Regiment was the runner up.

Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Crishanthe De Silva, senior army officers and distinguished guests were also present at the closing ceremony.