G W D M Dabarera emerged as the champion of the 15th Ethugalpura International Rated Chess Championship 2025, conquering a massive field of 756 participants at Hotel Blue Sky in Kurunegala. The prestigious six-day tournament, held from December 18 to 23, 2025, was organized by Knights Flame Chess Club and featured an exciting blend of classical, rapid, and blitz chess competitions.
The classical championship was conducted as a 10-round Swiss system tournament with standard time control of 90 minutes plus 30 seconds increment per move. The event was directed by DA Perera K C N, with IA Werochana Perera serving as Chief Arbiter, supported by Deputy Chief Arbiters IA H N Chathuranga Gunasena and IA Thiwanka Tissera. FA D G D Chamil served as Pairings Arbiter, while FA Sachila I N Wickramathilake acted as Sector Arbiter.
Championship Battle Goes Down to Tie-Breaks
The tournament delivered a thrilling climax as five players finished with identical 8.5 points from 10 rounds, making the tie-break scores decisive in determining the final standings. Dabarera (rated 1987) claimed the championship title with superior Buchholz scores of 66.5 and 71.5, along with eight decisive victories. His consistent performance throughout the tournament, avoiding any defeats and securing crucial wins in key rounds, proved to be the difference.
Dhanushka Bandara (1989) finished as the first runner-up with 8.5 points, also achieving eight victories but settling for the equal first position based on slightly lower tie-break scores of 65 and 69.5. Bandara’s strong tactical play and excellent endgame technique were on display throughout the event.
The standout performer was 13-year-old Sanuk Nanayakkara (1915), who also scored 8.5 points to secure the equal first position. The young talent demonstrated remarkable maturity and strategic understanding, proving that Sri Lankan youth chess is in excellent hands. His eight victories included impressive wins against higher-rated opponents.
Osheen De Silva (1882) and Chanaka Praneeth Sarukkalige (1809) completed the group of equal first finishers, both scoring 8.5 points with seven wins each. Their performances highlighted the incredible depth of talent in Sri Lankan chess
Strong Performances in the Top 20
The battle for the remaining top positions was equally competitive. Six players finished with 8 points, demonstrating the tournament’s depth. CM A A C B Amarasinghe (1926) secured sixth place with an impressive eight victories, while FM Chinthaka Anuruddh Galappaththi (1958) and CM Chandana Wijekoon (1894) also finished with 8 points as equal sixth.
CM D D L N Dandeniya (2056), despite carrying one of the highest ratings in the tournament, finished with 8 points. A A H M B Senarathne (2043) also scored 8 points, showcasing his continued competitive form.
H H Sasindu Lakshitha (1839) rounded out the 8-point finishers, demonstrating consistent play throughout the ten rounds.
Seven players finished with 7.5 points, led by W A M C Wijesinghe (1821) who claimed twelfth place. The group included several promising youngsters: Under-15 players B Hiruka Hansana Senarathna (1795), K A R G W D R B G Galkotuwa (2053), and N P M Lakvindu Nuwarapaksha (1822) all demonstrated excellent form.
Notable performances also came from M C Anjalo Perera (1549), AIM D M G S Mihiran Dehigama (1640), G G P D Yapabandara (1573), Rashmika Heshan Rajapakshe (1640), and Under-11 talent H M Chamuditha Sasen Bandara Herath (1653), all finishing with 7.5 points.
Women’s Rankings
In the women’s section of the main classical championship, three talented players shared championship honors. Yenuthi Sahanlee Perera (1846, U15) scored an outstanding 7.5 points to be the best women player champion. She was joined by Sethumlee Devhara Palliyage (1587) and S M I Umandi Mudalige (1679), both also achieving 7.5 points for equal first positions.
AFM Nemindi Linaya Ramanayake (1835) and Desandhi Dhihansa Gamage (1811) also finished with 7.5 points, securing equal first positions in a remarkable showing of women’s chess talent.
Chess Festival Atmosphere
The 15th Ethugalpura International Championship was more than just a tournament. The organizers created a comprehensive chess festival featuring multiple side events including blitz tournaments, rapid chess competitions, women’s blitz events, and even parents blitz tournaments. This inclusive approach attracted 756 participants, making it one of the largest chess gatherings in Sri Lanka this year.
The variety of events ensured that players of all ages and skill levels could participate and enjoy competitive chess in a festive atmosphere. Parents had the opportunity to compete alongside their children, creating memorable family experiences centered around the royal game.
The 15th Ethugalpura International Rated Chess Championship 2025 once again proved its status as one of Sri Lanka’s premier chess events. The extraordinary finish with five players tied at 8.5 points, the impressive participation of 756 players, and the strong performances across all age categories made this edition particularly memorable.
Congratulations to champion G W D M Dabarera and all the equal first finishers for their outstanding performances. Special recognition goes to Knights Flame Chess Club for their excellent organization and to the arbiters led by IA Werochana Perera for ensuring the smooth conduct of this prestigious championship. The tournament continues to play a vital role in developing chess talent and promoting the game across Sri Lanka, providing a platform where established champions and rising stars can compete at the highest level.
