Behind the present glory of Sri Lankan chess lies a past filled with extraordinary hardship, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment — a story largely unknown to many. The man who quietly laid the foundation to transform that era into a golden age is none other than Mr. Luxman Wijesuriya.
♟ Origins & Family Legacy
Mr. Wijesuriya’s chess journey began in 1979. His greatest inspiration was his elder sister, Sunitha Wijesuriya — Sri Lanka’s first-ever Olympic gold medallist in chess, who won the gold medal at the 1992 Manila Chess Olympiad (187 countries participating), cementing her place in sporting history.
The Wijesuriya family’s contribution to chess is unparalleled. Sunitha served as National Women’s Champion for 10 consecutive years, while younger sister Vineeta Wijesuriya held the title for 11 years. Such was the family’s dominance that at both the 1992 Manila and 1996 Armenia Olympiads, three members of the Wijesuriya family were among the ten players selected to represent Sri Lanka.
♟ Career as a Player
Luxman Wijesuriya entered his first national tournament — the Sri Lanka National Amateur Chess Championship — in 1979, winning 6 out of 10 games. By 1982, he qualified for the National Championship finals, and in 1983, he became the National Junior Champion, representing Sri Lanka at the Asian Junior Chess Championship in Malaysia, scoring 5.5 out of 11.
Despite facing immense challenges — scarce international events, financial difficulties, and limited federation support — he represented Sri Lanka at the 1986 Dubai Olympiad, and went on to compete in every Olympiad in 1992, 1996, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, and 2008. His crowning achievement as a player came in 1995, winning a Gold Medal at the Asian Team Chess Championship.
From 1996 to 2008 — a span of 12 years — he captained the Sri Lanka National Chess Team, guiding the squad with distinction on the international stage.
♟ Administrator & Architect of Change
Having served as Secretary and Vice President of the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka, and acting President on multiple occasions, Mr. Wijesuriya was the driving force behind Sri Lankan chess even when others held the presidency. From 2006 onwards, prominent figures including former Chief Minister Pesala Bandara, former Royal College Principal Upali Gunasekara, and former ministers Rajitha Senaratne and Harin Lal held the chairmanship — but the real administration and direction of chess remained in Mr. Wijesuriya’s hands.
When he joined the administration, Sri Lanka had only two chess tournaments. There was no system to identify talent or for amateur players to face national-level opponents. His most transformative contribution was building exactly that — a structured pathway connecting grassroots players with elite champions.
Through his chess club PASS PAWN, he launched the Sri Lanka Open Chess Championship and national rating tournaments, opening doors for a new generation of players.
♟ As President (2020–2026): Taking Chess to the World
Appointed President of the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka in 2020, his primary mission was to elevate Sri Lankan chess to the international stage. While serving as a Physical Education Advisor at the University of Moratuwa, he organized the “Moraaking” International Chess Tournament, and through the University of Peradeniya launched the “Gavanaskuti” International Rated Tournament.
♟ Key Achievements Under His Leadership
✦ Organized up to 10 FIDE-rated tournaments per year, with prize funds exceeding Rs. 300,000 — this year’s National Champion receives Rs. 150,000 and the Women’s Champion Rs. 100,000.
✦ Launched the Asian Schools Chess Championship in Sri Lanka in 2007, hosting it consecutively in 2007, 2008, and 2009.
✦ Developed over 200 technical officials (arbiters, coaches) able to earn a livelihood from chess; international arbiters now receive Rs. 5,000 per day.
✦ Sri Lanka currently ranks 3rd in the world for participation in FIDE-approved tournaments — ahead of powerhouses like China — and 3rd globally in technical officiating.
✦ Expanded chess across government services, commercial sectors, and schools, and introduced online coaching through international coaches such as Uzbekistan’s Alexei Barsov.
♟ International Standing
Beyond Sri Lanka, Mr. Wijesuriya serves as Secretary of the South Asian Chess Council, Secretary of the Commonwealth Chess Association, and Vice President of the Asian Chess Federation. He is among only five Asian International Arbiters, having officiated at four Chess Olympiads and served as Deputy Chief Arbiter at two of the world’s premier chess events.
His next ambition is to organize an IPL-style professional chess league — a vision already 50% realized — further cementing Sri Lanka’s place on the global chess map.
A true leader is one who sacrifices their time, energy, and resources for the progress of their sport. Mr. Luxman Wijesuriya’s service to chess over more than four decades is beyond words. The footsteps he has left will guide future generations toward greatness. On behalf of the entire Sri Lankan chess community — we bow our heads in gratitude.
