The Final Stage of the Galle District Individual Chess Championship 2025 has reached its halfway point, with exciting battles unfolding at Captain’s Marina in Balapitiya. After six rounds of intense competition, clear leaders have emerged across all ten age categories, though three crucial rounds remain to determine the ultimate Galle District Champions 2025.
A Championship of International Standards
Organized by the Galle District Chess Association (GDCA), this prestigious three-stage 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 in each age group advanced to the Final Stage, creating an elite field of competitors across categories Under 7, 9, 11, 13, and Under 20 for both Boys and Girls.
The Final Stage is being held on December 1st, 2nd, and 13th at Captain’s Marina, Balapitiya. The tournament commenced with a vibrant opening ceremony featuring a ceremonial first move played by FM Sasith Nipun Piyumantha, adding prestige to this significant event in the district’s chess development.
GDCA has provided an exceptional tournament experience with international standards. All categories compete in a Round Robin format under FIDE rules with standard time control of 90 minutes plus 30-second increment from move one. Remarkably, there are no registration fees, and players receive complimentary breakfast, lunch, and evening snacks throughout the event. A dedicated Spectators’ Area has been created for parents and enthusiasts to follow the games comfortably.
Current Standings After Round 6
Under 7 Boys
Leading with a perfect 6 points from 6 games is Cheatha Dulsandu De Silva from Dharmasoka College Ambalangoda. Close behind in second place is Himaru Vihas Rathnaweera from Buonavista College Galle with 5 points, while Puljaan Panthuja from Dharmasoka College Ambalangoda holds third position with 5 points.
Under 7 Girls
K P Nethashi from Mount Calvary High School Galle has made a strong statement with a flawless 6 points. Himandi Sehansa De Silva Rajaratne from Gonapinuwala Primary School sits in second with 5 points, and Sethumdi Seyara from Sri Kalyanathissa Vidyalaya Balapitiya occupies third place with 4 points.
Under 9 Boys
An extremely close contest sees Rivinu Dewhan Tilakawardena from Vidyaloka College Galle leading with 4.5 points, with Vindeeu Sehas from P De S Kularathna College Ambalangoda matching that score in second place. Sasmitha Wijesiri from St. Aloysius’ College Galle is not far behind in third with 4 points.
Under 9 Girls
Fathima Hasna Nifal from Southlands College Galle commands the leaderboard with 5 points after six rounds. Lithuli Tavinya Jayasekara from Prajapathi Gothami B M V Ambalangoda holds second with 4 points, while Lahini Ranmuthu Sadesna from Dharmasoka College Ambalangoda is third with 3.5 points.
Under 11 Boys
Sendul Ranhas Abeywardana from Richmond College Galle leads with an impressive 5.5 points. Kusal Onara Wijethunga from P De S Kularathna College Ambalangoda trails in second with 5 points, while AFM Jalina Basuru Gunarathna from Richmond College Galle holds third position with 4 points.
Under 11 Girls
Chanumi Janulya from Southlands College Galle has been unstoppable with a perfect 6 points. Vinudi Vathsandi Siriwardhana, also from Southlands College Galle, sits in second with 4 points, and Methmi Hasana Pate occupies third with 3.5 points.
Under 13 Boys
A battle of titled players sees Chalinu Jithen from Richmond College Galle leading the standings with 5.5 points, closely matched by AFM Lithula Raveesh Perumpuli from Richmond College Galle, also with 5.5 points but second on tiebreaks. AFM Sethika Chandul Dhamsana from P De S Kularathna College Ambalangoda holds third with 4 points.
Under 13 Girls
Sanuli Dulanya Ranasinghe from Dharmasoka College Ambalangoda has swept all six games for a perfect score. Meenu Vihansa Hewapathirana from Southlands College Galle is second with 5 points, and Sithuki Sawanya from Southlands College Galle holds third, also with 5 points.
Under 20 Boys
AFM Gesandu Kithnula from St. Aloysius’ College Galle leads with an unblemished 6 points. Nethuka Manudisa from P De S Kularathna College Ambalangoda is chasing in second with 5.5 points, while Senuja Kalmith Pasqual from Dharmasoka College Ambalangoda sits third with 4 points.
Under 20 Girls
Senethma Dewmi Randeniya from Dharmasoka College Ambalangoda tops the standings with 5.5 points. ACM N N S Mandakini from Dharmasoka College Ambalangoda and Tanudi Amasha from the same school are tied in second and third positions respectively, both with 4.5 points.
Exemplary Organization and Officiating
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
With three rounds still to play in this nine-round championship, the competition remains wide open. Several categories show extremely close battles, where a single game could change the final standings dramatically. Richmond College Galle, Dharmasoka College Ambalangoda, and Southlands College Galle have produced strong performances across multiple categories, showcasing their depth in chess talent.
As the tournament enters its final stretch on December 13th, all eyes will be on whether the current leaders can maintain their advantage or if challengers will mount successful comebacks. The winners will be crowned Galle District Champions 2025, making this one of the most anticipated district-level chess titles in Sri Lanka.
Congratulations to all participants for their outstanding performances thus far, and best wishes as they battle for glory in the concluding stages of this prestigious championship!
