The Final Stage of the Galle District Individual Chess Championship 2025 commenced today with an impressive and vibrant opening ceremony, marking a significant milestone in the district’s chess development efforts.
Organized by the Galle District Chess Association (GDCA), this prestigious event is conducted across three stages and features age categories Under 7, 9, 11, 13, and Under 20 for Boys and Girls separately. The championship began with four zonal tournaments held in Galle, Ambalangoda, Elpitiya, and Udugama. The second stage brought together top performers from these zonals along with selected rated players. From this pool, the best ten players of each age group advanced to the Final Stage.
This year’s Final Stage is held on the 1st, 2nd, and 13th of December at Captain’s Marina, Balapitiya. The opening ceremony featured a ceremonial first move played by FM Sasith Nipun Piyumantha, adding further prestige to the event.
GDCA has made a remarkable effort to provide an international-standard tournament experience within the district. All categories compete in a Round Robin (All-Play-All) format under FIDE rules and standard time controls, offering young players the chance to experience a top-tier competitive structure.
The association has also ensured exceptional hospitality for all participants. There are no registration fees, and players receive free breakfast, lunch, and evening snacks throughout the event. A dedicated Spectators’ Area has been created for parents and enthusiasts to follow the games comfortably, another first for the tournament.
The winners of each category will be crowned Galle District Champions 2025, making this one of the most anticipated district-level chess titles in Sri Lanka.
To maintain the highest officiating standards, GDCA has appointed a strong and experienced arbiters’ panel:
Tournament Director – FI Gihan De Silva
Chief Arbiter – FA Ranjan Lasantha
Deputy Chief Arbiter – FA D. G. D. Chamil Thilakarathne
Technical Arbiter & Media Officer – NA R. Navod Nethsara
Fair Play Arbiter – DA T. Hansi Kavisha De Silva
Sector Arbiters – DA S. S. Gayashan De Silva, DA Kaveesha Prabodani
Several organisations and individuals have joined hands to support this year’s Finals through sponsorships and partnerships, helping GDCA deliver a high-quality event:
Kriegspiel Chess Academy
GP Sports
Panhinda Book Shop
The Chess Shop
Southern Super Knights Chess Academy
Dark Horses Chess Academy
Navod De Silva Official Photography
Down South Chess Club
Mr Vishva Kodikara
Mr Charith Udana
Mr Oshan Saranga
Mr Ronira Sakviru
Mr Chamith De Silva
The 2025 edition has begun with great promise, energy, and participation. ChessSL extends its best wishes to all players competing in the Final Stage and looks forward to celebrating the next generation of Galle District Champions.
