The road to the historic 50th National Great Sports Festival 2026 has officially opened for the Southern Province chess community, as the Southern Province Team Selections 2026 delivered a thrilling weekend of high-quality chess to decide who would carry the pride of Galle, Matara, and Hambantota into the biggest inter-provincial sporting stage of the year. Contested in the Swiss-System format across both Men’s and Women’s categories, the selections produced dramatic tiebreak battles, memorable individual performances, and a strong final line-up worthy of the Southern flag.
The Men’s Selection — A Six-Round Thriller
The Men’s category ran across six intense rounds of classical chess, featuring 26 players from across the province. When the dust settled, the top of the table was as tight as it could possibly get, with two players sharing the honours on 4.5 points and six more locked together on 4 points.
Sansutha Pesanjith produced the most memorable campaign of the tournament, playing with maturity and consistency throughout to finish on 4.5 points and claim first place on tiebreaks. His fifth-round draw with a top rival and his composed final-round performance were the moments that swung the pendulum in his favour.
Right beside him, AFM Tharaka Priyanath also ended on 4.5 points to take second place, after a superb run that included four wins and two crucial draws in the closing rounds. His experience and calm under pressure once again marked him as one of the province’s most reliable performers.
The battle for third place was decided by the finest of margins. AFM Harsha Madushanka claimed the bronze medal on tiebreaks with 4 points, edging ahead of a remarkable six-way tie that included AFM Lahiru Manuranga, Danushka Priyadarshana, M W C Tharindu, Thoshintha Thusara, AIM Mihiranga Dissanayaka, AGM Gayashan De Silva, and Kalindu Deshappriya — all finishing on 4 points and all playing their part in one of the most competitive selection tournaments in recent memory.
Thoshintha Thusara’s fighting comeback after an opening-round loss stood out particularly — he clawed his way back with four straight strong results to finish inside the top seven. AGM Gayashan De Silva added his usual dose of experience and technique, while AIM Mihiranga Dissanayaka’s steady 4-point campaign confirmed his place among the province’s most dependable players.
The Women’s Selection — A Three-Way Podium Thriller
The Women’s category was contested across five rounds and produced one of the most exciting climaxes of the entire selection weekend. Three of the province’s finest female players finished tied at the top on 3.5 points each, forcing tiebreaks to separate them.
WCM Sayuni Gihansa Jayaweera claimed the top spot on tiebreaks with a beautifully controlled performance that included three wins and two draws — the mark of a truly consistent tournament. Her fourth-round victory was the turning point of her campaign, and she closed the event with the composure of a true title-holder.
Hasareli Hasanjana finished second on tiebreaks with the same 3.5 points, delivering a phenomenal final-round win against a top rival to lock in her podium finish. Her rise as one of the province’s most exciting young talents was firmly confirmed by this campaign.
Nethmi Dilanya completed the podium in third place, also on 3.5 points, with a fine tournament headlined by her final-round victory. Her sharp play across all five rounds showcased the depth of talent emerging from the Southern hills and coast.
Just behind the leading trio, an equally impressive three-way tie on 3 points rounded out the top six — with Vihini Sahansa Jayaweera, Sasika M W Goyumi, and Thenumi Seneka all playing wonderful, fighting chess throughout the event. Sasika Goyumi’s fifth-round draw against the eventual champion was one of the most memorable individual results of the section.
Southern Province Ready for the 50th National Great Sports Festival
With the qualifiers now completed, the Southern Province Men’s and Women’s teams have been well and truly assembled — and the province has every reason to feel confident. The 50th National Great Sports Festival 2026 will be a landmark occasion in Sri Lankan sport, and the chess boards will once again be a central battleground where provincial pride is at stake.
The Southern Province chess scene continues to produce depth and quality year after year, from experienced titled players guiding the way to bright young talents pushing hard for their place at the top. The blend of experience and youth in the selected squads promises exciting battles at the national event.
Warmest congratulations to every player who qualified for the Southern Province team, to every participant who gave their all across the boards, and to the Southern Province Chess Association and organising officials who ran a smooth and highly competitive event. Best wishes to the Southern warriors as they prepare to fly the province’s flag at the 50th National Great Sports Festival 2026.
