The grand finale of the 10th South Asian Games took place on Monday the 28th at the Sugathadasa Stadium. Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara officially declared the end of the SAG 2006.This colourful event attracted a large crowd of local and foreign spectators including Ministers to the Sugathadasa Stadium to witness the event.

Successful SAG 2006 was a rare achievement of the Sri Lankan government; making records in the sports world and introducing a fresh sports generation of South Asia to the world.

The next South Asian Games will be held in Dhaka, Bangladesh in 2008.

Eight nations vied for top honour with 719 medals, and lot more, in stake. India was the overall champion winning 118 gold medals, 69 silver and 47 bronze. Pakistan came second with 43 gold, 44 silver and 71 bronze. Sri Lanka in third place with 37 gold, 63 silver and 78 bronze. Nepal bagged 9 gold medals. Afghanistan secured 5th place with 6 gold medals. Bangladesh won 3 gold medals and Bhutan 3 silver. Maldives was unable to win any medals.

Overall Sri Lanka won 178 medals in a display of spectacular talents in athletics. Star performers Susanthika Jayasinghe and Rohan Pradeep Kumara added sheen to the event while Sri Lanka found the twin teen sensation in swimming - Andrew Abeysinghe and Mayumi Raheem.

Amidst the steaming war climate, the Government successfully facilitated the rare fortnight of festivity, without a single damage or terror explosion in the city till the curtains came down on Monday evening.

The closing ceremony was splashed with all the hues of the rainbow as Sri Lanka showcased its rich cultural heritage along with a spectacular fire works show which actually made the gathering gasp with wonder of the stars falling down.

From the initial stages the government wanted to welcome all the participants with highest honour and hospitality. Five star hotels in Colombo were booked for all the local and foreign sportsmen and women through out the competition. With the generous sponsorship from the Grand Oriental Hotel, the Department of Information hosted a lovely dinner party was arranged to all, including local and foreign journalists on 24th August.

The dazzling and colourful fireworks which lighted up Colombo sky were possible with the kind courtesy of the Chinese government, which marked the end a splendid memorandum. The Closing ceremony was a gala where tradition and technology walked hand-in-hand and it was truly befitting to mark the end of the games.

Folk and traditional ritual dances, extravagant music performances were a splendor for every Sri Lankan. The laser show and the grand signing off with the firework display brightened the sad end of the fairy tale like story.

President Rajapaksa congratulated all the athletes in his message. "You added colour to the Games. We were proud to host you. Congratulations on your great achievements with many games records," he said.

Government Information Department (GID) played a key role regarding media coordination under guidance and supervision of the Director of Information Mr. Anusha Palpita and his staff. The Main Press Centre was the core to all local and foreign media personals for result up dates and for other media facilities, which the GID dynamic team provided putting their utmost effort through out the period with many sleepless nights. This was a massive operation; hence few shortcomings occurring here and there could be a possibility. Yet, the GID team joined hands with the local and foreign media to expose the regional solidarity, culture and values to world.

The organizers of the 10th South Asian Games thanked all those who contributed in various ways to make this event a true success.