FM Pesandu Rashmitha Liyanage emerged as the champion of the Sri Lanka National Rapid Chess Championship 2025, delivering a masterful performance that secured him the title with 8.5 points out of 9 rounds. The championship took place on October 25-26, 2025, at Hindu College, Ratmalana, bringing together chess enthusiasts from across the nation for two days of intense rapid chess competition.
The championship was organized by the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka, under the expert direction of IA Erosh Jayasinghe as Tournament Director and IA Tharindu Weerasekara as Chief Arbiter. The tournament was conducted as a 9-round Swiss system with a rapid time control of 15 minutes plus a 10-second increment from move 1, creating a perfect balance between speed and strategic depth.
Liyanage, seeded fourth in the tournament with a rating of 1844, proved that preparation and consistency are key ingredients for championship success. Throughout the nine rounds, he maintained exceptional focus, securing eight wins and one draw. His commanding performance saw him finish half a point ahead of his nearest rival, a margin that reflected his dominance throughout the event. The young FM showcased strong opening preparation, tactical sharpness, and impressive endgame technique that left opponents struggling to find counterplay.
The race for second place was fiercely contested, with CM Malisha Sasvidu Weerathungalage ultimately claiming the runner-up position with 8 points. Starting as the 11th seed with a rating of 1767, Weerathungalage’s performance exceeded expectations. His tournament featured a series of impressive victories against higher-rated opponents, demonstrating excellent tactical vision and fighting spirit. The battle for second place went down to the wire, with tie-breaks determining the final standings among players who finished with identical scores.
AFM Lithula Raveesh Perumpuli secured third place with 7.5 points out of 9 rounds. Seeded 22nd with a rating of 1699, Perumpuli’s performance was a testament to the depth of talent in Sri Lankan chess. His campaign included crucial wins in the middle rounds and he maintained composure under pressure, proving that lower seeds can challenge established players in rapid chess where tactics and quick calculation often trump positional understanding.
The tournament saw several other notable performances that highlighted the competitive nature of the event. Lohas Dewmina Rodrigo finished fourth with 7.5 points, while D C J Karunaratne, despite being seeded second with a rating of 1954, had to settle for fifth place, also with 7.5 points. The tie-break system came into play for multiple positions, underscoring how closely matched the competitors were throughout the championship.
Young talents made their mark with impressive displays. Ramath Hansaka Kothalawala and Losara Methyuga Kulatunge both finished with 7.5 points, demonstrating the rising standard of junior chess in Sri Lanka. The event featured several Arena FIDE Masters and Candidate Masters who showcased their skills against more experienced opposition.
Further down the standings, CM Kosala Sandeepa Chamikara Amarathunge scored 7 points to finish eighth, while established players like C U Hettiarachchi and Chenitha Mithvidu Ovitigala also recorded 7-point scores. ACM Sithum Nevanjith Siriwardene’s performance with 7 points was particularly noteworthy, as he navigated through a tough field to secure a top-15 finish.
The championship featured several exciting encounters in the final rounds, with players battling for every half-point to improve their standings. The rapid time control added an extra dimension of excitement, as players had to balance the need for accurate calculation with the ticking clock. Blunders in time pressure and brilliant tactical shots were witnessed throughout the two days, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats.
With over 300 participants competing across different rating categories, the championship once again demonstrated the growing popularity of rapid chess in Sri Lanka. The format continues to attract both experienced players and newcomers, offering an exciting alternative to classical time controls while maintaining the strategic depth that makes chess such a fascinating game.
Congratulations to all the participants and winners for their outstanding performances at the Sri Lanka National Rapid Chess Championship 2025. The event showcased the strength and depth of Sri Lankan chess, with young talents rising to challenge established players and creating memorable battles on the chessboard.
