The Sri Lanka National Youth Super League Event 2026 concluded successfully on January 19, 2026, showcasing exceptional talent across six age categories at the Sports Ministry Pavilion in Torrington, Colombo 07. The championship, organized by the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka, was conducted from January 16 to 19 under the expert direction of IA Erosh Jayasinghe as Tournament Director and IA Naditha Amarakoon as Chief Arbiter.
All categories were organized as nine-round robin tournaments with a standard time control of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move, providing players ample time to demonstrate their strategic and tactical abilities.
Under 8 Open Category
AFM Dihela Thevin Wijesinghe from Isipathana College emerged as the champion of the Under 8 Open category with an impressive 7.5 points out of 9 rounds. Wijesinghe’s dominant performance included six victories and demonstrated exceptional maturity for such a young player.
The battle for second place was intense, with Shypravin Sasimaran from Chavakachcheri Hindu Primary School and Himaru Vihas Rathnaweera from Buonavista College both finishing with 6.5 points. Sasimaran claimed the runner-up position based on tie-break calculations, while Rathnaweera secured third place. ACM Yasiru Mallawa finished fourth with 5 points, showing strong competitive spirit throughout the tournament.
Under 10 Open Category
In a closely contested Under 10 category, Rivinu Dewhan Tilakawardena from Vidyaloka College claimed the championship with 7 points. The battle for the title went down to the wire, with Sanuka Sageeth Kulathilaka from Horagasmulla Primary College also scoring 7 points but settling for second place on tie-breaks after winning six games.
ACM Sehandu Dulneth Fernando from D S Senanayake College demonstrated excellent form to claim third position with 6.5 points out of 9 rounds. Sayuru Lonindu Jayasuriya finished fourth with 5.5 points, while Arvin Thewjan rounded out the top five with 5 points. The category featured several exciting encounters with young players displaying remarkable tactical awareness and endgame technique.
Under 12 Open Category
Thehas Rithmitha Kiringoda from Ananda College dominated the Under 12 Open category, securing the championship with 7.5 points from 9 rounds. Kiringoda’s campaign featured six victories and demonstrated strong positional understanding and calculating ability that set him apart from the field.
Lohas Dewmina Rodrigo from A K Chess Academy finished as runner-up with 6.5 points, showcasing consistent play throughout the tournament with five wins. Sethika Dinsitha Masakorala, also from Ananda College, claimed third position with 6 points, while AIM Biman Koswattage secured fourth place with an identical 6-point score based on tie-break calculations.
The tournament saw several exciting battles in the middle rounds, with players demonstrating advanced tactical skills and strategic planning abilities that highlighted the growing strength of chess at this age level in Sri Lanka.
Under 14 Open Category
CM Vinuka Dihain Wijerathna from Royal College produced a masterful performance to win the Under 14 Open category with an outstanding 8 points from 9 rounds. Wijerathna’s campaign included seven victories and only one loss, demonstrating exceptional consistency and tactical sharpness throughout the event.
Ruvin Sandharu Jayasooriya from Lyceum International School Wattala finished as runner-up with 6.5 points, showing strong fighting spirit in crucial encounters. AIM Nethsara Dias from Royal College claimed third position with 5.5 points, while Amila Nimsara Ethkandura secured fourth place with 4.5 points.
The championship featured several decisive encounters in the final rounds, with players battling intensely for every point. The competitive nature of the event was evident as tie-breaks came into play for multiple positions, showcasing the depth of talent in this age category.
Under 16 Open Category
Vinuda Vidmal Wickramasinghe from Boswell College International secured the Under 16 Open championship with 7.5 points from 9 rounds. Wickramasinghe’s performance included six victories and demonstrated mature positional play combined with sharp tactical awareness.
Thisarindu Induwara from Royal College finished second with 6.5 points, showing excellent form throughout the tournament with five wins. Chenitha Mithvidu Ovitigala from Nalanda College claimed third position with 6 points after winning five games, while Dharmaraja College’s player secured fourth place with an identical 6-point score.
CM Janukshan from Jaffna Hindu College finished fifth with 5 points, while CM D D L N Dandeniya rounded out the top six with 4.5 points. The category featured several high-quality games with complex middlegame positions and precise endgame technique on display.
Under 18 Open Category
Jeewantha Aloka Hettiarachchi from Nalanda College emerged victorious in the Under 18 Open category with 5 points from 7 rounds. The Under 18 section was conducted over seven rounds, and Hettiarachchi’s three victories were enough to secure the title.
Dineth Sandaruwan from Sri Dharamaloka College finished as runner-up with 4.5 points, demonstrating consistent play with three wins. Chanaka Praneeth Sarukkalige from Bandaranayake College and Jayod Yasindu Rashmika Perera from Royal College both finished with 4 points, claiming third and fourth positions respectively based on tie-break calculations.
AIM K P L Liyanage from Dharmaraja College secured fifth place with 3 points, while Nadev Insara finished sixth with an identical 3-point score. The tournament featured several hard-fought encounters with players demonstrating advanced understanding of chess strategy and tactics.
The Sri Lanka National Youth Super League Event 2026 once again demonstrated the remarkable growth and depth of youth chess in Sri Lanka. The event provided young players with valuable competitive experience in a round-robin format, allowing them to face each opponent in their respective categories.
The tournament was expertly managed by the organizing team under the guidance of IA Erosh Jayasinghe and IA Naditha Amarakoon, ensuring smooth operations and fair competition throughout all six categories.
Congratulations to all the champions, medal winners, and participants for their outstanding performances at the Sri Lanka National Youth Super League Event 2026. The high level of play across all age categories reflects the bright future of Sri Lankan chess and the dedication of these young players to the royal game.
