The 35th National Youth Games 2025 Men’s Chess Championship marked a historic moment for Sri Lankan chess as the National Youth Services Council organized chess as a sport for the first time in the Youth Games. The championship took place from the 10th to the 12th of October 2025 at the National Youth Services Council. Organized by the National Youth Services Council Sports division, the tournament was played under a five-round Swiss team format with a standard time control of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move from the start.
Mr. P A C Priyal, Assistant Director Sport, served as the Tournament Director, while FA Washini Chamithri Surasinghe took charge as the Chief Arbiter for this prestigious event.
In the Men’s Championship, Matara District emerged victorious with an impressive 9 match points and a total of 23 game points. Galle District secured the first runner-up position with 9 match points and 20 game points. Anuradhapura District claimed the second runner-up spot with 8 match points and 20 game points.
Exciting Matches and Close Battles
The tournament witnessed several intense battles between the top teams. In Round 1, Matara District dominated Polonnaruwa District with a commanding 5.5-0.5 victory, setting the tone for their championship campaign. Galle District also started strong with a 5-1 win over Kurunegala District.
The competition intensified in Round 3 when Matara District faced Kalutara District in a closely fought encounter that ended in a 3-3 draw. However, Matara District bounced back strongly in Round 4, crushing Kandy District 5.5-0.5, demonstrating their championship credentials.
Galle District’s path to the runner-up position included impressive victories, including a 5-1 win over Badulla District in Round 2. Their Round 4 match against Kegalle District ended in a competitive 3-3 draw, showcasing the high level of competition throughout the tournament.
In the final round, both Matara District and Galle District secured crucial victories. Matara District defeated Kegalle District 4.5-1.5, while Galle District overcame Kalutara District 3.5-2.5, cementing their positions at the top of the standings.
Team Members of Winning Teams
Champion – Matara District
- Geenuka Kavinu Gunaweera
- H G Chamiru Pujana
- Ramiru Sithika Gunawardena
- Nihindu Bimsath Palihakkara
- CM G Haritha Hansana
- H R Homindu Dulaj Prematunge
- K A Aken Abiru
First Runner-up – Galle District
- AIM Lesan Semitha Nanayakkara
- AFM D Lahiru Manuranga
- D Adeepa Shashiprabath
- AIM M A P Mihiranga Dissanayaka
- AGM G K Pasindu Nimsara Dharmakeerthi
- W K Kavishka Dewshan
- AFM W D Tharaka Priyanath
Second Runner-up – Anuradhapura District
- K K U D Rathnasiri
- D M I Didulatha
- W M S B Uyanwaththa
- W M Senesh Nethmina
- J A P Dulkith Jayakody
- R A T P Shaminda
- J A D U Jayakody
Congratulations to all the winners and participants for their outstanding performances and sportsmanship. This historic inclusion of chess in the National Youth Games marks a significant milestone in the development of the sport among young players across Sri Lanka.
