The 8th Negombo International Chess Festival 2024 showcased the finest chess talent from Sri Lanka and beyond, culminating in CM Udith Jayasundara winning the Open Championship and H Sandithi Kusalya Alwis triumphing in the Women’s Championship. Held from August 15th to 19th at the Wet Water Resort in Ekala, this prestigious event drew widespread participation and set a high standard for competitive chess in the region.
Organized by the Gampaha District Chess Association on behalf of the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka, the Asian Chess Federation, and FIDE, the festival featured a significant prize pool of over one million Sri Lankan rupees. In addition to cash prizes, winners received certificates, medals, and trophies, marking their achievements in a highly competitive field. The tournament attracted 451 participants and was conducted in a 10-round Swiss format with a time control of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move, ensuring a rigorous and challenging competition.
In the Open Category, CM Udith Jayasundara of Sri Lanka emerged victorious, finishing the tournament unbeaten with a remarkable score of 9/10 points. His dominance throughout the event was evident as he secured the championship title. The battle for the runner-up spots was tightly contested, with three players tying at 8.5/10 points. CM Chandana Wijekoon of Sri Lanka claimed the first runner-up position thanks to a superior tie-break score, while K Prawin of India secured the second runner-up spot. Osheen De Silva, despite a strong performance, finished in fourth place.
H Sandithi Kusalya Alwis of Sri Lanka shone in the Women’s Category, winning the championship with a score of 7.5/10 points. The competition was intense, with H K T I Namarathna also scoring 7.5/10 points but finishing as the first runner-up due to tie-break criteria. The second runner-up position was equally competitive, with Sandali Kanishka Udagedara of Sri Lanka emerging ahead after tie-breaks, leaving H M H Janandani Abeysinghe in fourth place.
The festival also featured competitions in the Higher Education and Mercantile categories:
- Higher Education Category: The General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University secured the championship, showcasing the strategic prowess of its participants.
- Mercantile Category: The Sri Lanka Navy – Southern Command clinched the championship title, while the Sri Lanka Navy – Western Command earned the first runner-up position.
In recognition of the broad spectrum of talent, awards were also presented in various rating and age categories, highlighting the depth of chess skill across different levels.
The awards ceremony was a grand affair, graced by Mr. Luxman Wijesuriya, President of the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka, as the chief guest. Professor Ashu Marasinghe attended as the honourable guest, adding to the prestige of the event. Their presence underscored the importance of the festival in promoting chess as a vital and growing sport in Sri Lanka.
The 8th Negombo International Chess Festival 2024 not only celebrated individual and team excellence but also reinforced the vibrant chess culture in Sri Lanka, setting the stage for future tournaments of even greater significance.
Photographer – Anil Madu Sampath
