The 8th SSC Champions Trophy 2026 Galle District Individual Chess Championship delivered a spectacular celebration of grassroots chess in the Southern Province, with young players from across the Galle District competing across eleven age-group categories in five rounds of Swiss System chess. From the youngest Under-7 beginners taking their very first steps in competitive chess, to experienced Open section players battling for district honours, the 8th SSC Champions Trophy was a wonderful showcase of the depth and diversity of chess talent across the Galle District. All categories were played over 5 rounds, with results uploaded by FA D G D Chamil Thilakarathne.
Under-7 Boys (2019 & After)
R G Yashen Bashitha Deeman Gunathunga claimed the Under-7 Boys title with a perfect 5 points from 5 rounds — a dominant and impressive performance from the youngest age group in the championship. K A Sathindu Dahammeth finished as runner-up with 4.5 points on tie-break, while Vihanga Dias Jayasundara also claimed 4.5 points for third place — both players showing tremendous promise for their age.
Under-7 Girls (2019 & After)
H G Yehahi Shaini Onara claimed the Under-7 Girls title with a perfect 5 points from 5 rounds, finishing as a dominant and deserving champion in the youngest girls’ category. Hasali Silva finished as runner-up with 4.5 points, while Dihansa Kavindi Disanayaka took third place with 4 points — an excellent result from the third-place finisher in what was a competitive Under-7 Girls field.
Under-8 Boys (2018)
H W Adheesha Ranhiru claimed the Under-8 Boys title with a perfect 5 points from 5 rounds, edging out K Puljaan Panthuja on tie-break — both players finishing on 5 points in a thrilling finish at the top of the Under-8 Boys category. U G A Vinuth Yuthmira finished third with 4.5 points in a closely contested category throughout.
Under-8 Girls (2018)
Dinugi Lawanya Abeywardhana claimed the Under-8 Girls title with 4.5 points, finishing ahead of H W Rithuli Thinaya also on 4.5 points on tie-break. Nethya Amavi Jayawickrama took third place also on 4.5 points in what was one of the most closely contested categories of the entire championship — all three podium finishers separated only by tie-break in a superb display of Under-8 Girls chess.
Under-10 Boys (2016 & 2017)
K D Sehas Vindeeu claimed the Under-10 Boys title with a perfect 5 points from 5 rounds, finishing as a dominant champion in one of the most competitive age-group categories of the day. D G Yosith Methmithu finished as runner-up also with 5 points on tie-break, while W Binul Yenuja Jayawardane took third place with 4 points — all three podium finishers delivering impressive performances across five rounds.
Under-10 Girls (2016 & 2017)
M N Fathima Ashka claimed the Under-10 Girls title with a perfect 5 points from 5 rounds — a commanding and dominant performance that made her the standout Chess Queen of the younger age groups at the 8th SSC Champions Trophy. Shanudi Shehara Wickramathilaka finished as runner-up with 4 points, while H A Diyana Methnadee Hettiarachchi took third place also with 4 points on tie-break.
Under-12 Boys (2014 & 2015)
W A Kusal Onara Wijethunga — who has already been making his mark on the provincial junior circuit in 2026 — claimed the Under-12 Boys title with a perfect 5 points from 5 rounds, a dominant performance that confirmed his status as one of the Galle District’s most exciting young chess talents. H H Thulindu Dinula finished as runner-up with 4 points, while P K Benura Sanumitha Perera took third place also with 4 points on tie-break.
Under-12 Girls (2014 & 2015)
K D Pasandi Ehasna claimed the Under-12 Girls title with 4.5 points from 5 rounds — a composed and consistent campaign that made her a worthy district champion. B A Sanuli Thamasha finished as runner-up with 4 points, while Laisha Enakshi Abhimani took third place also with 4 points on tie-break in another closely contested girls’ category finish.
Under-14 Boys (2012 & 2013)
P M Keshan Kavindu Lisara claimed the Under-14 Boys title with a perfect 5 points from 5 rounds, finishing as the dominant champion of one of the older age-group categories. K D Sanumitha Suhasvin Jayasinghe finished as runner-up with 3.5 points on tie-break, while Hiruka Dulneth Wijewardhana also finished with 3.5 points for third place — both players separated only by tie-break in a closely fought battle for the podium positions.
Under-14 Girls (2012 & 2013)
The Under-14 Girls category was played over 3 rounds, with Dilanya Sesadi Dilanya claiming the title with 2 points. B G H M Sadewmi Karunathilaka finished as runner-up with 1 point, while H G Nethuni Denethya Nethmini completed the podium in third place.
Open Section
The Open section produced an exciting and competitive finish, with Fedor Ivanov claiming the Open title with a perfect 5 points from 5 rounds — an impressive and dominant performance to claim the top prize in the most senior category of the championship. H G Lashen Eshan, who has been one of the standout junior performers on the Galle District circuit throughout 2026, finished as runner-up with 4 points, while N P G Ridmali took third place with 3.5 points in a competitive Open field.
Congratulations to every champion, runner-up, and participant who took part in the 8th SSC Champions Trophy 2026 Galle District Individual Chess Championship. Events like this are the heartbeat of chess development in Sri Lanka, nurturing the next generation of champions from their very first competitive moves. We look forward to an even bigger and better 9th edition! ♟️🇱🇰
