National Youth Chess Championships 2025: Boys Categories Produce Thrilling Battles
The National Youth Chess Championships 2025 concluded with spectacular performances from Sri Lanka’s most promising young male chess players. Held from January 10 to 13, 2026, at Hindu College and Kandawala Vidyalaya in Ratmalana, the championship showcased the depth and quality of youth chess talent across three age categories.
The championship was organized by the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka under the expert direction of IA Erosh Jayasinghe as Tournament Director. The tournament utilized a Swiss system format with standard time control of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment from move one, ensuring competitive and high-quality games throughout the event.
Under 13 Open: A Historic Three-Way Tie at the Top
The Under 13 Open category produced one of the most exciting finishes in recent championship history, with CM Vinuka Dihain Wijerathna emerging as champion after a thrilling nine-round battle. The young Candidate Master finished with an impressive 7.5 points out of 9 rounds, but the championship was far from straightforward.
Wijerathna’s campaign was marked by exceptional consistency and tactical awareness. He secured crucial victories in the opening rounds and maintained his composure during the critical middle rounds. His performance included impressive wins against strong opponents and demonstrated the maturity expected of a Candidate Master. The champion’s ability to navigate complex positions and convert winning endgames proved decisive in the final standings.
Sanuk Nanayakkara matched Wijerathna’s 7.5-point score, claiming the first runner-up position based on tiebreak calculations. Nanayakkara displayed remarkable fighting spirit throughout the tournament, bouncing back from a challenging middle section to finish strongly. His tactical vision was on full display in several key games, where he outmaneuvered higher-rated opponents with precise calculation.
In an unprecedented finish, Dhiren Theekshana Gunatunga also scored 7.5 points from nine rounds, securing third place on tiebreaks. Gunatunga’s tournament featured several brilliant tactical combinations and demonstrated his growing strength in positional chess. His consistent performance throughout the event marked him as one of the most improved players in the age group.
The competition remained fierce throughout the top ranks, with Mithil Indrachapa Samarakoon and Amila Nimsara Ethkandura both finishing with 7.5 points as well, taking fourth and fifth positions respectively. The incredibly tight finish, with the top five positions all tied at 7.5 points and separated only by tiebreak scores, highlighted the exceptional competitive balance in Sri Lankan youth chess.
Ruvin Sandharu Jayasooriya, Chalinu Jithen, and AIM Nethsara Dias also delivered strong performances, each scoring 7 points and demonstrating the depth of talent in the Under 13 category. The tournament attracted 518 participants, making it one of the largest youth chess events in recent Sri Lankan chess history.
Under 15 Open: Wickramasinghe’s Commanding Victory
Vinuda Vidmal Wickramasinghe produced a dominant performance to claim the Under 15 Open championship with 7 points from eight rounds. The young champion demonstrated exceptional opening preparation and impressive middlegame understanding throughout the tournament. His games were characterized by precise calculation and mature positional judgment that belied his age.
Wickramasinghe’s path to victory included several memorable encounters against higher-rated opponents. He showcased particular strength in converting favorable positions, rarely allowing his opponents any counterplay once he gained an advantage. His solid endgame technique proved crucial in several tight games where accurate technique was required.
Chenitha Mithvidu Ovitigala matched Wickramasinghe’s score of 7 points but had to settle for second place based on tiebreak calculations. Ovitigala’s tournament was equally impressive, featuring sharp tactical play and creative opening choices. His ability to generate winning chances from seemingly equal positions demonstrated his fighting spirit and deep understanding of dynamic chess.
Thisarindu Induwara secured third place with 6.5 points from eight rounds. Induwara displayed excellent strategic understanding throughout the championship, particularly excelling in complex middlegame positions where long-term planning was essential. His games featured sophisticated maneuvering and patient buildup of pressure.
The battle for the remaining top positions was equally competitive. Akitha Thennakoon finished fourth with 6.5 points, showcasing solid preparation and tactical alertness. R G W D R B G Galkotuwa rounded out the top five with 6.5 points, demonstrating consistent play throughout the event. CM Dandeniya D D L N, Hiruka Hansana Senarathna, Sadev Minsara, and CM Janukshan B all delivered strong performances, each scoring 6 points or more.
The Under 15 Open category was held at Kandawala Vidyalaya in Ratmalana, with IA Dayal Siriwardena serving as Chief Arbiter and IA Sanjula Ravinath as Deputy Chief Arbiter. FA D G D Chamil Thilakarathne served as the Pairings Arbiter, ensuring smooth tournament operations throughout the event.
Under 17 Open: Liyanage Claims Title with Solid Performance
AIM Liyanage K P L captured the Under 17 Open championship with 5.5 points from seven rounds, demonstrating the superior experience and tactical vision expected of an Arena International Master. Liyanage’s tournament was characterized by solid positional play and precise tactical execution. His games featured sophisticated opening preparation and excellent middlegame planning.
The Arena International Master navigated through a competitive field with strategic precision, securing important victories in the early rounds and maintaining his lead with solid draws against dangerous opponents. His ability to assess positions accurately and make pragmatic decisions proved crucial in several critical games. Liyanage’s endgame technique was particularly impressive, as he converted several technically difficult positions with apparent ease.
Nadev Insara finished as first runner-up with 5 points from seven rounds. Insara demonstrated excellent fighting spirit in every game, refusing to accept draws in favorable positions and battling hard even when facing difficulties. His performance included crucial half-point saves against higher-rated players that ultimately secured his podium finish. The young player showed particular strength in sharp tactical positions.
Thinuka Geethula Perera claimed third place with 4.5 points. Perera’s tournament featured solid positional play and good strategic understanding. His games demonstrated a mature approach to chess, with careful preparation and patient execution being the hallmarks of his style.
Chanaka Praneeth Sarukkalige and Jayod Yasindu Rashmika Perera both scored 4.5 points to complete the top five positions. Sarukkalige’s performance included several impressive victories showcasing his tactical prowess, while Perera demonstrated excellent resilience in difficult positions.
Other notable performances came from Sethun Neththaru Manuwaruna, Jeewantha Aloka Hettiarachchi, Dunitha Yathindra Gunawardhane, and AFM Thesandu Aken Basnayake, all of whom scored 4.5 points. The presence of multiple titled players in the Under 17 category created an exceptionally competitive environment and provided valuable experience for all participants.
The Under 17 Open was held at Hindu College in Ratmalana, with IA Naditha Amarakoon serving as Chief Arbiter. The tournament featured several theoretical battles and sharp tactical encounters that demonstrated the high level of preparation among the older participants.
The National Youth Chess Championships 2025 once again proved to be a crucial event in the Sri Lankan chess calendar. The tournament not only crowned national champions but also provided valuable rating opportunities and competitive experience for hundreds of young players.
The success of the event reflects the continued growth and development of chess in Sri Lanka, particularly at the youth level. The Chess Federation of Sri Lanka’s commitment to organizing high-quality tournaments provides young players with the platform they need to develop their skills and compete at the highest national standards.
Congratulations to all the participants and winners of the National Youth Chess Championships 2025 Boys categories. The exceptional performances, fighting spirit, and sportsmanship displayed throughout the tournament demonstrate the remarkable strength and depth of youth chess talent in Sri Lanka..
