10th October 2025 10:09:15 Hours
comprehensive workshop on “Physical Fitness, Nutrition and Wellness” was successfully conducted on 08 October 2025 at Headquarters, 23 Division, under the esteemed patronage of Major General GPP Kulatilake ndc,, General Officer Commanding, 23 Infantry Division. The session was expertly facilitated by Deshabandu, Lanka Putra Mr. Sanjeiwa Rathnayake, a highly respected and nationally recognized authority in the fields of wellness, preventive health, and lifestyle medicine.
The workshop witnessed the active participation of over 250 Officers and Other Ranks serving under the Division, and was aimed at fostering greater awareness on the critical importance of holistic health management among military personnel. The initiative forms part of the Division’s ongoing commitment to cultivating a physically robust, mentally resilient, and mission-ready force.
During his highly informative and interactive lecture, Mr. Sanjeiwa Rathnayake delivered an incisive discourse on the integral role of regular physical training, balanced nutrition, restorative sleep, mental well-being, and effective stress management in the life of a professional soldier. He underscored these elements as indispensable pillars for sustaining optimal operational effectiveness and long-term health in the armed forces.
In addition, Mr. Sanjeiwa Rathnayake drew attention to the escalating prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, cardiovascular ailments, and obesity, among both civilian and military populations. He emphasized the necessity of adopting preventive health strategies and maintaining a disciplined, proactive lifestyle to mitigate such risks and uphold peak physical readiness.
Furthermore, the facilitator cautioned against the detrimental impacts of sedentary behavior, poor dietary practices, and modern stressors, which collectively erode both physical performance and psychological resilience. Through practical guidance, he advocated for the inculcation of sustainable wellness routines, tailored to the unique demands of military service.
The session culminated with a powerful and motivational message, encouraging all ranks to assume personal responsibility for their health, fitness, and overall well-being, in alignment with the Sri Lanka Army’s broader vision of nurturing smart, healthy, and mission-capable soldiers in the modern operational landscape.
This workshop stands as a testament to the Division’s enduring dedication to the physical and mental welfare of its personnel, reinforcing the principle that “a healthy soldier is an effective soldier.”
