The Sri Lanka National Youth Chess Championship 2025 concluded with remarkable performances from the country’s brightest young chess talents in the Boys categories, marking the first chess event of 2026 in Sri Lanka. Held from January 1 to 4, 2026, at Dharmapala Vidyalaya in Pannipitiya, this FIDE-rated international event brought together participants across the Under 7, Under 9, and Under 11 age groups both open and girls, showcasing the exceptional depth of youth chess in the country.
The championship was organized by the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka, with IA Erosh Jayasinghe serving as Tournament Director and IA Thiwanka Tissera as Chief Arbiter. Deputy Chief Arbiters IA Werochana Perera and IA Sanjeewa Anuradha, along with arbiters IA Tharindu Weerasekara, FA Dilan Udayashantha, and others, ensured the smooth conduct of the event. All categories were conducted in 9-round Swiss format with a standard time control of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment from move 1, ensuring high-quality games that tested both the tactical prowess and endurance of the young competitors.
Under 7 Boys Category: Thrilling Battle to the Finish
The Under 7 Boys category attracted 30 participants with an average rating of 1403, with Thehas Thivain Wijesiri emerging as the champion with an impressive score of 8 points from 9 rounds. Wijesiri demonstrated maturity beyond his years, maintaining near-perfect consistency throughout the tournament. His tactical awareness and calm demeanor under pressure marked him as a talent to watch in the coming years.
Aaranan Paraneeharan, the highest-rated player in the category with a rating of 1506, secured the runner-up position, also finishing with 8 points but settling for second based on tie-break calculations. Paraneeharan’s tournament showcased his strong chess understanding, including crucial victories against tough opponents and only a single draw to mar an otherwise dominant performance.
ACM Yasiru Mallawa claimed third place with 7.5 points, demonstrating the skills expected of a titled player. Mallawa’s rating of 1443 proved justified as he navigated through the strong field with a mix of solid positional play and sharp tactics.
The Under 7 category also saw strong performances from AFM Dihela Thevin Wijesinghe and Shypravin Sasimaran, both scoring 7.5 points and showing that the future of Sri Lankan chess is in capable hands. The tournament featured several titled players, including ACM Thisum Sashilka Rajapaksha, AFM Himeth Sethmira Wasala, and AFM Himaru Vihas Rathnaweera, all of whom made their mark in this highly competitive field.
Under 9 Boys Category: Triple Tie at the Summit
The Under 9 Boys section featured 37 participants with an average rating of 1417 and witnessed an extraordinarily close finish, with three players finishing on 8 points from 9 rounds. Janiru Nethmitha, rated 1616, emerged as the champion based on superior tie-breaks, demonstrating exceptional consistency throughout the tournament. His performance included impressive wins against strong opposition and showcased his tactical sharpness and positional understanding.
Sasmitha Wijesiri secured the runner-up position, also with 8 points, in what was a remarkable achievement for the young player rated 1419. Wijesiri’s tournament featured several giant-killing performances, defeating higher-rated opponents with creative and aggressive play that delighted spectators.
Rivinu Dewhan Tilakawardena claimed the third position with 8 points, with tie-breaks determining his placement. Rated 1475, Tilakawardena’s consistent performance throughout all nine rounds demonstrated his readiness to compete at the highest level of youth chess.
The Under 9 category proved highly competitive, with ACM Sehandu Dulneth Fernando (rated 1658) finishing fourth with 7.5 points, followed by Pamitha Binath Perera Jayawardene and Arvin Thewjan, both also scoring 7.5 points. The presence of several titled players, including Candidate Masters, elevated the quality of play throughout the tournament.
Under 11 Boys Category: Dominant Championship Performance
The Under 11 Boys category was the most competitive section, featuring 40 participants with an average rating of 1440, including several titled players and future masters. Thehas Rithmitha Kiringoda, the highest-rated player in the category at 1974, lived up to expectations by claiming the championship with an exceptional score of 8.5 points from 9 rounds. Kiringoda’s campaign was nothing short of spectacular, with only a single draw in round 6 preventing a perfect score. His performance demonstrated why he is considered one of the brightest talents in Sri Lankan youth chess.
Sethika Hansira Samaraweera, rated 1849, secured the runner-up position with 7.5 points, showcasing consistent performance throughout the championship. Samaraweera’s tournament featured several hard-fought victories and demonstrated his ability to compete against the strongest opposition.
Lohas Dewmina Rodrigo claimed third place with 7.5 points, with tie-breaks placing him on the podium. Rated 1835, Rodrigo’s strategic acumen and tactical alertness were evident throughout the championship, including a crucial victory over the eventual champion in round 6.
The Under 11 category featured outstanding performances from several other titled players. Sethika Dinsitha Masakorala finished fourth with 7.5 points, while AFM Rivinu Dihas Nethmira Wickramage, AFM Kiven Mandeev Suraweera, Vinuja Egodawatta, and AFM Yeshan Perera all scored 7.5 points, demonstrating the remarkable depth of talent in this age group. The presence of multiple Arena FIDE Masters and Candidate Masters elevated the standard of play, with games featuring sophisticated opening preparation and complex strategic battles.
Tournament Excellence and Organization
The championship was conducted with the highest standards of arbiter expertise, with an experienced team led by Chief Arbiter IA Thiwanka Tissera ensuring fair play and proper time management throughout all categories. The Swiss format, managed using Swiss-Manager software, allowed players to face opponents of similar strength as the tournament progressed, creating exciting matches that kept spectators engaged from the first round to the last.
All three categories completed the full nine rounds without incident, with pairings and results published promptly after each round. The tournament’s organization reflected the professionalism and dedication of the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka in developing youth chess in the country.
As the first chess event in Sri Lanka for 2026 and a FIDE-rated international tournament, the National Youth Chess Championship 2025 set a high standard for the year ahead. The performances across all three open categories demonstrated the growing strength and depth of youth chess in the country, with multiple players showing the potential to represent Sri Lanka on the international stage in the coming years.
Congratulations to all participants and winners for their outstanding performances at the Sri Lanka National Youth Chess Championship 2025. The dedication, sportsmanship, and skill displayed by these young champions inspire confidence in the bright future of Sri Lankan chess.
