The Leeds International School in Matugama marked a proud milestone on June 27, 2026, hosting the 10th Inter Leeds Chess Championship — a decade-long tradition that has become one of the most eagerly anticipated events in Sri Lanka’s school chess calendar. Organized by Leeds International School – Matugama Branch under the Sri Lanka Chess Federation, the single-day festival brought together young players from multiple branches of the Leeds International School network, competing across twelve age-group sections for both boys and girls, spanning the Under 6 through Under 16 categories.
Most sections were conducted under the Swiss-System format, with the Under 14 Girls section uniquely played as a Round Robin. Depending on the category, players contested between five and six rounds of competition. Chief Arbiter IA Dayal Siriwardena presided over tournament operations, supported by Deputy Chief Arbiter NA Kaveen Poorna Ramyasiri and Pairing Arbiter DA Sandun Gayantha, who managed the technical draw throughout the day using Swiss-Manager software. Tournament data was created and uploaded by Ruwantha Lakshan.
Under 6 Boys — A Perfect Score from the Very Start
The Under 6 Boys section, open to players born in 2020 or later, produced a clear champion in Sethmitha Ometh of the GAL branch, who swept through all five rounds without dropping a single point to claim gold with a flawless five-from-five. It was a display of remarkable focus and fighting spirit from one of the youngest competitors of the day. Damsithu of TAN earned the silver medal on four points, while Vonal Sasvindu Hettiarachchi of MAT completed the podium also on four, with tiebreak scores separating the two.
Under 8 Boys — Six Rounds of Championship Chess
If one section captured the imagination of the day, it was the Under 8 Boys. Yehansa Sanul of MAT blazed through all six rounds undefeated to claim a stunning perfect score, the mark of a true champion. Chasing hard throughout was Yesandu Saven Damsana — also of MAT — who put together a superb five-and-a-half-point campaign to earn the silver medal. Sanul Dhomitha Gunathilaka of AMB secured the bronze on five points in what was a fiercely contested race right to the final board.
Under 8 Girls — Chenuthi Siyansa’s Flawless Masterclass
The Under 8 Girls section produced the most dominant individual run of the championship. Chenuthi Siyansa from the AMB branch swept through six rounds without conceding a single loss, claiming gold with a perfect score in truly commanding fashion. Yuhasna Sanuli of PAN followed with five points to take the silver, while Kenuli Suhasna Pathirana of MTU completed the podium also on five, with tiebreak scores determining the order.
The Battles Still Unfolding
Several sections were either nearing completion or still in their early stages at the time of reporting. In the Under 6 Girls category, Sahasna Kivini of PAN was leading with four points after four rounds. The Under 10 Boys was one round from completion, with Dahamsa Resandu of MAT setting the pace on five points, closely trailed by Hashiru Dulnitha Egodage of TAN on four and a half. In the Under 12 Boys, Danuja Damsithu of TAN had established a strong lead on four points after four rounds, with Saviru Anusas Withana of HOR and Senuth Vinsara Alwis of PAN locked together on three and a half in second and third. The Under 14 Boys saw Suviru Yatheeshwara of MAH holding the top position with four points from four rounds. Meanwhile, the Under 14 Girls Round Robin produced a fascinating two-way race at the top, with Seneli Dinaya Senevirathna and Thishmi Onelee Adhikari of SRI both on three points after three rounds. The Under 16 Boys and Girls sections, featuring players from the Matugama, Ambalangoda, and Tangalle branches among others, were set to complete the day’s competition.
A Decade Worth Celebrating
Ten years of the Inter Leeds Chess Championship is no small achievement. It reflects the sustained commitment of Leeds International School to nurturing chess as a discipline, a sport, and a way of thinking across its network of branches. From six-year-olds making their first confident tournament moves to teenagers demonstrating tactical sophistication and competitive steel, every section of this championship told the same story — that Sri Lankan school chess is thriving. Warmest congratulations to all the champions and podium finishers, and a heartfelt salute to every young player who stepped up to the board with courage on this landmark day. A special word of appreciation too for the organizing team, the arbiter panel, the dedicated coaches, and the families whose support made the 10th Inter Leeds Chess Championship 2026 a celebration to treasure.
