The Final Stage of the Galle District Individual Chess Championship 2025 has concluded with spectacular performances across all ten age categories, crowning the district’s finest young chess talents at Captain’s Marina, Balapitiya. Organized by the Galle District Chess Association, this prestigious three-stage championship has set new standards for district-level chess competitions in Sri Lanka.
Tournament Format and Organization
The championship journey began with four zonal tournaments held in Galle, Ambalangoda, Elpitiya, and Udugama. The second stage brought together top performers from these zonals along with selected rated players. From this competitive pool, the best ten players of each age group advanced to the Final Stage, which was held on December 1st to 18th, 2025.
All categories competed in a Round Robin format under FIDE rules with standard time control of 90 minutes plus 30 seconds increment per move, giving young players the opportunity to experience top-tier competitive chess. GDCA’s commitment to excellence was evident throughout, with no registration fees, free breakfast, lunch and evening snacks provided to all participants, and a dedicated spectators’ area for parents and enthusiasts.
Under 7 Boys – Perfect Performance
Cheatha Dulsandu De Silva from Dharmasoka College Ambalangoda delivered a stunning performance, securing the championship with a perfect score of 9 points from 9 rounds. His complete dominance throughout the tournament showcased exceptional talent for his young age. Himaru Vihas Rathnaweera from Buonavista College Galle finished as runner-up with 8 points, while Puljaan Panthuja, also from Dharmasoka College Ambalangoda, claimed third place with 7 points.
Under 7 Girls – Dominant Victory
Himandi Sehansa Rajaratne from Gonapinuwala Primary School emerged as champion with an impressive 8 points, demonstrating consistent play throughout the competition. K P Nethashi from Mount Calvary High School Galle secured second place with 7.5 points, narrowly ahead of third-placed Rithuli Thinaya from Jayanthi Model Primary School who scored 5 points.
Under 9 Boys – Thrilling Tie at the Top
The Under 9 Boys category witnessed an exciting battle as two players tied for the lead with 7.5 points each. Rivinu Dewhan Tilakawardena from Vidyaloka College Galle claimed the championship on tiebreak, with Vindeeu Sehas from P De S Kularathna College Ambalangoda taking second place. Sasmitha Wijesiri from St. Aloysius’ College Galle finished third with 6 points in a highly competitive field.
Under 9 Girls – Champion Emerges
Fathima Hasna Nifal from Southlands College Galle captured the Under 9 Girls title with a solid performance of 6 points. The battle for second and third places was intense, with Anuthya Pahandi Weerasingha from Christ Church Girls’ College Baddegama scoring 5.5 points for second place, while Vinudi Gehansa Gunasekara from Dharmasoka College Ambalangoda also finished with 5.5 points to claim third.
Under 11 Boys – Commanding Victory
Sendul Ranhas Abeywardana from Richmond College Galle dominated the Under 11 Boys category with an outstanding 8 points from 9 rounds. Kusal Onara Wijethunga from P De S Kularathna College Ambalangoda secured second place with 6 points, while AFM Jalina Basuru Gunarathna from Richmond College Galle took third place, also with 6 points.
Under 11 Girls – Outstanding Performance
Chanumi Janulya from Southlands College Galle delivered a magnificent performance in the Under 11 Girls category, scoring an impressive 8.5 points. Her near-perfect tournament saw her claim the championship convincingly. Methmi Hasana Pate finished second with 5.5 points, while Vinudi Vathsandi Siriwardhana, also from Southlands College Galle, claimed third place with 5.5 points.
Under 13 Boys – Titled Players Shine
AFM Lithula Raveesh Perumpuli from Richmond College Galle showcased his class by winning the Under 13 Boys championship with 8.5 points. Chalinu Jithen from Richmond College Galle finished a close second with 8 points, demonstrating the strength of Richmond College’s chess program. AFM Sethika Chandul Dhamsana from P De S Kularathna College Ambalangoda secured third place with 6 points.
Under 13 Girls – Perfect Score
Sanuli Dulanya Ranasinghe from Dharmasoka College Ambalangoda achieved the remarkable feat of winning all 9 games, scoring a perfect 9 points to claim the Under 13 Girls championship. Meenu Vihansa Hewapathirana from Southlands College Galle finished second with 8 points, while Sithuki Sawanya from Southlands College Galle took third place with 6.5 points.
Under 20 Boys – Experience Prevails
AFM Gesandu Kithnula from St. Aloysius’ College Galle demonstrated his superior experience and skill by winning the Under 20 Boys category with 8 points. Nethuka Manudisa from P De S Kularathna College Ambalangoda finished second with 6.5 points, while Senuja Kalmith Pasqual from Dharmasoka College Ambalangoda claimed third place with 6 points.
Under 20 Girls – Dominant Champion
Senethma Dewmi Randeniya from Dharmasoka College Ambalangoda produced an excellent performance to win the Under 20 Girls championship with 8.5 points from 9 rounds. Tanudi Amasha, also from Dharmasoka College Ambalangoda, secured second place with 7.5 points, while ACM Mandakini from the same school finished third with 6.5 points, highlighting Dharmasoka College’s strength in girls’ chess.
Tournament Officials
The championship’s success was ensured by an experienced team of officials led by Tournament Director FI Gihan De Silva and Chief Arbiter FA Ranjan Lasantha. They were supported by Deputy Chief Arbiter FA D. G. D. Chamil Thilakarathne, Technical Arbiter and Media Officer NA R. Navod Nethsara, Fair Play Arbiter DA T. Hansi Kavisha De Silva, and Sector Arbiters DA S. S. Gayashan De Silva and DA Kaveesha Prabodani.
Sponsors and Partners
The Galle District Chess Association extends its sincere gratitude to the sponsors and partners who made this championship possible through their generous support:
- Kriegspiel Chess Academy
- Mr. Gihan Perera
- Panhida Book Shop
- The Chess Shop
- Southern Super Knights Chess Academy
- Dark Horses Chess Academy
- Navod De Silva Official Photography
- Down South Chess Club
- Black Stallion Chess Academy
- Mr. Vishva Kodikara
- Mr. Charith Udana
- Mr. Oshan Saranga
- Mr. Ronira Sakviru Kanakarathne
- Mr. Chamath De Silva
- Mr. Mithila Pabasara
- Mr. Ruwan Weerasinghe
- Pamudu Ranasinghe
- Priyantha Hatangala
Their contributions have been instrumental in delivering a high-quality, international-standard tournament experience for all participants.
Conclusion
The 2025 Galle District Chess Championship Final Stage has once again proven to be one of Sri Lanka’s premier district-level tournaments, providing young players with an exceptional competitive platform. The Galle District Chess Association’s commitment to organizing international-standard events within the district continues to nurture and develop the next generation of Sri Lankan chess talent.
Congratulations to all the newly crowned Galle District Champions 2025! Your dedication, skill, and fighting spirit throughout this challenging three-stage championship have earned you this prestigious title. ChessSL extends its warmest wishes for your continued success in chess and looks forward to following your future achievements on the national and international stage.
