The southern city of Galle played proud host to one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the Sri Lankan junior chess calendar — the National Youth Blitz Chess Championships 2026, Galle District Selections — held on 3rd May 2026, organised by the Galle District Chess Association. Across eight thrilling categories divided by age and gender, young players born between 2012 and 2018 gathered to compete for the honour of representing the Galle District at the national stage. With the blitz format demanding quick thinking, sharp instincts, and steely nerves, the playing hall buzzed with energy from the very first move.
Each category was contested over five rounds in a Swiss system format, though the Under 14 Girls section concluded after just one round due to the limited number of participants. The day’s competition painted a vivid portrait of a generation of chess talent growing steadily stronger in the Southern Province.
Under 8 Open — A Photo Finish at the Top
The youngest open competitors produced one of the most dramatic finishes of the day. Daham Nethsara Sampath and Jemitha Yuthsara both ended the five-round blitz on an impressive 4.5 points, pushing the arbiters straight to the tiebreak calculations. When the numbers were finally tallied, it was Daham Nethsara Sampath who claimed first place by the narrowest of margins, with Jemitha Yuthsara a deserving runner-up. Disara Yewan Thewsas completed the podium with a solid 4 points, showing great composure throughout.
🥇 Daham Nethsara Sampath — 4.5 points 🥈 Jemitha Yuthsara — 4.5 points 🥉 Disara Yewan Thewsas — 4 points
Under 8 Girls — Viduni’s Perfect Storm
If there was a performance of the day award to be handed out, Viduni Thesansa Hewage would have claimed it in this section without contest. She swept through all five rounds without dropping a single point, finishing with a flawless 5 out of 5 — a performance that left little doubt about who ruled the Under 8 Girls category. Sandali Chathurya came in second with 4 points, while Rinudi Sithumsa took third with 3.5 points in a competitive field.
🥇 Viduni Thesansa Hewage — 5 points 🥈 Sandali Chathurya — 4 points 🥉 Rinudi Sithumsa — 3.5 points
Under 10 Open — Silva Shines with a Strong Finish
The Under 10 Open saw Pashudha Gavisheth Silva emerge as champion with 4.5 points, pulling away from a tightly packed chasing group. Livinu Thewmin and Sanuja Dulsara both finished on 4 points, with Livinu claiming second place on superior tiebreak. The battles in this category were closely fought throughout, with the standings shifting round by round before Silva sealed the title.
🥇 Pashudha Gavisheth Silva — 4.5 points 🥈 Livinu Thewmin — 4 points 🥉 Sanuja Dulsara — 4 points
Under 10 Girls — Dewmi’s Dominant Display
Matching Viduni Thesansa Hewage’s brilliance in the Under 8 Girls, Dewmi Anuththara delivered another perfect 5 out of 5 in the Under 10 Girls section — an outstanding achievement that showcased real class and concentration. Fathima Ashka was a spirited runner-up on 4 points, while Jenuli Thinara Seha Rathnayaka rounded out the podium with 3.5 points.
🥇 Dewmi Anuththara — 5 points 🥈 Fathima Ashka — 4 points 🥉 Jenuli Thinara Seha Rathnayaka — 3.5 points
Under 12 Open — Gimhana Takes Control
In a highly competitive Under 12 Open section, Sulaksha Gimhana proved to be the steadiest hand across five rounds, finishing on 4.5 points to claim the top spot. Behind him, Dulen Thenujaya and Haveen Himansana Wijesekara both finished on 3.5 points, with Dulen edging ahead on tiebreak for silver. It was a category where experience and resilience were tested in equal measure.
🥇 Sulaksha Gimhana — 4.5 points 🥈 Dulen Thenujaya — 3.5 points 🥉 Haveen Himansana Wijesekara — 3.5 points
Under 12 Girls — Weerasuriya Claims a Hard-Earned Gold
Sanuli Hesanya Weerasuriya showed great fighting spirit throughout the Under 12 Girls section, finishing on 4.5 points to claim the district title. Lithumi Ayansa Kanakaratne and Chathuni Kaveesha Dewduni both finished on 4 points, with Kanakaratne taking silver on tiebreak. The closely contested scores in this category reflected the strength and depth among the Under 12 girls of the Galle District.
🥇 Sanuli Hesanya Weerasuriya — 4.5 points 🥈 Lithumi Ayansa Kanakaratne — 4 points 🥉 Chathuni Kaveesha Dewduni — 4 points
Under 14 Open — Jayawardana Leads the Senior Juniors
The oldest open category saw R.A.D.D.K. Jayawardana claim the Under 14 crown with 4 points, winning four of five games in a competitive field. Keshan Kavindu Lisara and Kavishka Nimsara finished joint second on 3.5 points each, with Lisara taking the silver on tiebreak. The Under 14 Open section carried with it the added intensity of players on the cusp of senior competition, making every game feel particularly meaningful.
🥇 R.A.D.D.K. Jayawardana — 4 points 🥈 Keshan Kavindu Lisara — 3.5 points 🥉 Kavishka Nimsara — 3.5 points
Under 14 Girls — An Honourable Beginning
The Under 14 Girls section, though limited to just one completed round due to the small number of participants, still produced a memorable moment of sportsmanship. Tharuki Prahansana Methmanthi and Shawani Uththarangi Gurusingha met across the board and played out a hard-fought draw, sharing the honours on 0.5 points each. Both young players showed great maturity, and their participation itself is a milestone worth celebrating.
🥇 Tharuki Prahansana Methmanthi — 0.5 points 🥈 Shawani Uththarangi Gurusingha — 0.5 points
A Day of Pride for the Galle District
The National Youth Blitz Chess Championships 2026 – Galle District Selections was more than just a competition. It was a celebration of youth, dedication, and the growing love for chess in the Southern Province. The event was organised with care and efficiency by the Galle District Chess Association, providing the young players with a platform worthy of their ambitions.
To every champion who stood on the podium, and to every player who sat across the board and gave their best — congratulations. You are the heartbeat of Sri Lankan chess, and your journey is only beginning. The Galle District is proud of each and every one of you.
