The Sri Lanka National Novices Chess Championships 2026 for Galle District concluded with exciting performances on January 18, 2026, at Anuruddha Vidyalaya in Kurundugahahetekma. The championship, organized by the Galle District Chess Association on behalf of the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka, featured seven-round Swiss system tournaments conducted over three days from January 16 to 18.
The event was expertly managed under the direction of FI Gihan De Silva as Tournament Director and FA D G D Chamil Thilakarathne as Chief Arbiter, with support from Deputy Chief Arbiter DA G H Thanuja Dhanushka and Arbiter R B V Nimsara De Silva. The tournament used a standard time control of 90 minutes with a 30-second increment per move from move one, providing players with ample time to demonstrate their chess abilities.
Open Event
The Open category produced one of the most exciting finishes of the championship, with Ransara Dhanuddhara and Savithu Sandinu Weerasuriya both finishing with outstanding scores of 6.5 points from 7 rounds. Dhanuddhara claimed the championship title based on superior tie-break calculations after both players won six games each. Dhanuddhara’s campaign featured impressive victories throughout the tournament, including crucial wins in the opening rounds that set the tone for his championship run.
Weerasuriya demonstrated exceptional consistency and fighting spirit to finish as runner-up with 6.5 points. His performance included six victories and showcased strong tactical awareness and solid positional understanding. The narrow tie-break margin highlighted the competitive nature of the championship and the high level of play from both contenders.
Tharindu Dhananjaya from secured third position with an impressive 6 points from 7 rounds. Dhananjaya’s campaign featured six victories and demonstrated excellent preparation and execution throughout the event. His performance included notable wins in crucial rounds that kept him in contention for the top positions.
D D K Jayawardana claimed fourth place with 5.5 points after winning five games, while Sandaru Nadula also finished with 5.5 points to secure fifth position. The battle for the top positions was intense, with several players finishing on 5.5 and 5 points, showcasing the depth of talent in the Galle District novice category.
Other notable performances came from Dilanka Achintha De Silva, Himal Ashendra, and Duleesha Dhanuddhara Jayasingha, who all finished with 5.5 points. The tournament featured numerous exciting encounters with players displaying tactical sharpness and strategic planning abilities that demonstrated the growing strength of novice chess in the region.
Chamindu Udara, Sarasa Himabhas Samarakoon, and Yosandu Hasmira Anthony rounded out the top ten positions with 5 points each. The competitive nature of the event was evident throughout, with players battling intensely for every half-point and tie-breaks coming into play for multiple positions.
The Open event attracted 113 participants, making it one of the largest novice tournaments in recent times. The high level of participation demonstrated the growing interest in chess among new players in the Galle District and the success of grassroots chess development initiatives in the region.
Women’s Event
The Women’s category featured equally impressive performances, with Fathima Ashka emerging as joint champion with 5.5 points from 6 rounds. Ashka’s campaign included five victories and demonstrated mature positional play combined with sharp tactical awareness. Her consistent performance throughout the tournament earned her the top position based on tie-break calculations.
Lahini Sadesna also finished with 5.5 points to share the championship honors. Sadesna showcased excellent competitive spirit with five victories and demonstrated strong understanding of chess fundamentals. The close finish between the top two players highlighted the competitive nature of the women’s category.
Aysha Hana secured third position with 5 points from 6 rounds after winning five games. Hana’s performance featured several impressive victories and demonstrated excellent tactical vision and strategic planning. Her consistent play throughout the event kept her in contention for the top spots.
Dilara Amarasinghe claimed fourth place with 5 points, while Oneli Sehansa De Silva rounded out the top five with an identical 5-point score. The battle for the top positions was fiercely contested, with multiple players finishing with 5 and 4.5 points.
Tinuli Senulya Dissanayake finished sixth with 5 points, demonstrating strong competitive spirit and excellent preparation. Siheli Avindi Enara secured seventh position with 5 points after five victories, showcasing impressive tactical abilities throughout the tournament.
Other notable performances came from Tesandi Sandithmee Ganewaththa Kankanamge (4.5 points), Sandinie Thasanya Weerasuriya (4.5 points), and Hesara Dhihansi De Silva (4.5 points), who all demonstrated excellent understanding of chess principles and the potential for future success.
The women’s event attracted 87 participants, reflecting the growing popularity of chess among female novice players in the Galle District. The high level of participation and competitive play throughout the tournament demonstrated the success of efforts to promote women’s chess at the grassroots level.
Tournament Organization
The tournament featured excellent organization, with all rounds completed on schedule and players receiving a valuable competitive experience in a well-managed environment.
The venue at Anuruddha Vidyalaya in Kurundugahahetekma provided excellent facilities for the championship, with adequate space for all participants and spectators. The three-day format allowed players to compete at a comfortable pace while maintaining the competitive intensity expected at a national championship level.
The Swiss system format with seven rounds in the Open event and six rounds in the Women’s event provided all participants with multiple games and the opportunity to face opponents of similar strength as the tournament progressed. This format proved ideal for novice players to gain valuable tournament experience while competing for top honors.
The Sri Lanka National Novices Chess Championships 2026 for Galle District successfully provided novice players with an excellent platform to showcase their abilities and gain competitive experience. The event demonstrated the remarkable depth of chess talent emerging in the Galle District and the effectiveness of development programs aimed at attracting new players to the royal game.
Congratulations to all the champions, medal winners, and participants for their outstanding performances at the Sri Lanka National Novices Chess Championships 2026. The high level of play and strong participation in both categories reflect the bright future of chess development in the Galle District and the dedication of these novice players to improving their game and competing at the national level.
