The second stage of the Galle District Individual Chess Championship 2025 concluded successfully on November 9, 2025, at the Green Shadow Wedding Hall in Hikkaduwa. Organized by the Galle District Chess Association under the auspices of Chess Federation of Sri Lanka, the two-day tournament attracted numerous young chess enthusiasts across ten age categories.
The championship, which ran from November 8-9, featured a Swiss-System format with six rounds (five rounds for some categories) under standard time control of 90 minutes with a 30-second increment per move.
Tournament Administration
The event was efficiently managed under the guidance of FI Gihan De Silva, Tournament Director, with FA Ranjan Lasantha serving as Chief Arbiter and NA Navod R Nethsara as Deputy Chief Arbiter. DA S S Gayashan De Silva handled the pairing duties throughout the tournament.
Championship Results by Category
Under 7 Boys (2018 & After)
Champion: Himaru Vihas R P Rathnaweera dominated with a perfect 6.0/6 score.
Runner-up: Sadew V Nimsara claimed second place with 5.5 points.
Third Place: Dewun W A Ahasna secured bronze with 5.0 points.
Under 7 Girls (2018 & After)
Champion: Opara Thewni S H Samaranayaka emerged victorious with an impressive 5.5/6 performance.
Runner-up: Himandi Sehansa De Silva Rajaratne finished second with 5.0 points.
Third Place: Sethumdi J P Seyara took bronze with 5.0 points.
Under 9 Boys (2016 & 2017)
Champion: Sasmitha Wijesiri delivered an outstanding performance, winning all six games.
Runner-up: Rivinu Dewhan K Tilakawardena secured second with 5.5 points.
Third Place: Yosith D G Methmithu finished third with 5.5 points.
Under 9 Girls (2016 & 2017)
Champion: Fathima Aakifa Mohamed Sarkhan swept the category with a perfect 6.0/6 score.
Runner-up: Vinudi Gehansa M Gunasekara took second place with 5.0 points.
Third Place: Kithusadi Yuwathma Meedu claimed bronze with 5.0 points.
Under 11 Boys (2014 & 2015)
Champion: Mevinu S H Damsithu topped the standings with 5.0/6 points.
Runner-up: Hasindu K H Hansaka finished second with 5.0 points.
Third Place: Sendul Ranhas W P Abeywardana secured bronze with 5.0 points.
Under 11 Girls (2014 & 2015)
Champion: Chanumi K A Janulya led the field with 4.5/5 points.
Runner-up: Methmi Hasana Pate claimed second place with 4.5 points.
Third Place: Sanadee Sanulya G De Zoysa finished third with 4.0 points.
Under 13 Boys (2012 & 2013)
Champion: AFM Lithula Raveesh Perumpuli Arachchi demonstrated exceptional skill, scoring 5.5/6 points.
Runner-up: Nethula Sandil M W De Silva took second with 4.5 points.
Third Place: Esandu S H Induwara finished third with 4.5 points.
Under 13 Girls (2012 & 2013)
Champion: Meenu Vihansa Hewapathirana dominated with 4.5/5 points.
Runner-up: Sanuli Dulanya Ranasinghe secured second place with 4.0 points.
Third Place: Saheli Wathnara Abeywardhana claimed bronze with 3.5 points.
Under 20 Boys (2006-2011)
Champion: AFM Gesandu W A Kithnula showcased superior preparation, winning all five games.
Runner-up: Jenura Hirunjith Pasqual finished second with 4.0 points.
Third Place: Senuja Kalmith Pasqual took bronze with 3.5 points.
Under 20 Girls (2006-2011)
Champion: Tanudi N W K Amasha led the field with 4.5/5 points.
Runner-up: Nihansa B K Dewmini claimed second place with 3.5 points.
Third Place: Senethma Dewmi Randeniya secured bronze with 3.0 points.
Significance for Galle District
This championship represents a crucial component of the district’s chess development pathway. second stage provided essential competitive experience for emerging talents while identifying promising players who can represent Galle District at provincial and national level competitions. The tournament’s Swiss-System format ensured that all participants faced opponents of similar strength, maximizing learning opportunities regardless of skill level.
The strong turnout across all age categories, particularly in the younger age groups, reflects the growing popularity of chess in the Galle District. With over 100 participants in some categories, the championship demonstrated the depth of talent being cultivated in the region. These district-level competitions serve as vital stepping stones, helping young players gain tournament experience, improve their competitive temperament, and develop the strategic thinking that makes chess such a valuable educational tool.
The Galle District Chess Association’s continued investment in organizing well-managed tournaments at accessible venues like the Green Shadow Wedding Hall in Hikkaduwa ensures that chess remains within reach of young talents throughout the district, fostering a sustainable chess culture for future generations.
