The strategic landscape of Sri Lankan chess recently witnessed an exhilarating chapter with the conclusion of the 12th Dhamso International Chess Festival 2025. Held from July 10 to 14 at the picturesque Sea Breeze Hotel in Ambalangoda, this prestigious event not only crowned new champions but also marked a significant milestone with a record-breaking participation of 536 players.
A Legacy of Chess Excellence
Organized by the Old Boys` Chess Association of Dharmasoka College, the Dhamso International Chess Festival stands as a testament to sustained dedication. Since its inception in 2011, it has remained a cornerstone of the Sri Lankan chess calendar, distinguished as the nation`s only long-standing FIDE-rated tournament managed by a school-affiliated body. This remarkable continuity underscores the profound commitment of its organizers to nurture the sport, proving that enduring passion for chess can indeed transcend the conventional boundaries of scholastic engagement.
Tournament Structure and Scale
This year’s festival was a grand affair, featuring both standard and blitz championships. The organizers demonstrated their unwavering commitment to rewarding talent with a substantial total prize pool of LKR 1.7 million, complemented by trophies, medals, and certificates. Notably, the coveted DICF Player of the Year title came with a special award of LKR 150,000, adding an extra layer of competitive fervor. Every single participant, regardless of their final ranking, received a certificate, a thoughtful gesture emphasizing inclusivity and acknowledging the dedication of each player.
The Open Championship: A Masterclass in Dominance
In the fiercely contested Open Championship, Sri Lanka`s own CM A A C B Amarasinghe delivered what can only be described as a flawless performance. Amarasinghe secured the prestigious DICF Player of the Year title with a commanding 9/10 points, dropping points in only two drawn games in rounds eight and ten. His strategic precision and calm demeanor under pressure set him apart from a formidable field.
The battle for the runner-up positions was equally intense. A A H M B Senarathne clinched the first runner-up spot with 8.5 points, emerging victorious after a meticulous tie-break analysis against three other strong contenders. K G Wimalarathne secured the second runner-up position, while CM Kosala Sandeepa Chamikara Amarathunge finished a commendable fourth, showcasing the depth of talent within the Sri Lankan chess community.
Women`s Championship: Triumph Through Tie-Breaks
The Women`s Championship unfolded with thrilling drama, culminating in a four-way tie at 7.5/10 points. After the tie-break calculations, WCM Sethumlee Devhara Palliyage was declared the champion, a testament to her consistent performance and strategic acumen throughout the tournament. Her victory highlights the growing strength and competitive spirit among female chess players in the region.
Following closely, B Yenuthi Sahanlee Perera and WFM M Esandi Newansa secured the first and second runner-up titles respectively, demonstrating their impressive skill sets. R P Hansali H Thrinethsaree, despite a strong showing, narrowly missed a podium finish, underscoring the razor-thin margins at the top echelons of the competition.
Detailed Standings: A Glimpse into the Top Performers
Selected Top 25 Standings – 12th Dhamso International Chess Festival 2025
| Rank | Title | Name | Country | Rating | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CM | Amarasinghe, A A C B | SRI | 1928 | 9 |
| 2 | Senarathne, A A H M B | SRI | 1955 | 8.5 | |
| 3 | Wimalarathne, K G | SRI | 1758 | 8.5 | |
| 4 | CM | Amarathunge, Kosala Sandeepa Chamikara | SRI | 1906 | 8.5 |
| 5 | AIM | Dissanayake, R K T | SRI | 1933 | 8 |
| 6 | Perera, B Jayod Yasindu Rashmika | SRI | 1866 | 8 | |
| 7 | Perera, M A Kisandu Randira | SRI | 1847 | 8 | |
| 8 | AGM | Dharmakeerthi, G K Pasindu Nimsara | SRI | 1867 | 8 |
| 9 | Jithen, K A Chalinu | SRI | 1705 | 8 | |
| 10 | Lakshitha, H H Sasindu | SRI | 1767 | 8 | |
| 11 | Piyumantha, M Thisal Manjith | SRI | 1928 | 7.5 | |
| 12 | Dutta, Samaritan | IND | 1838 | 7.5 | |
| 13 | WCM | Palliyage, Sethumlee Devhara | SRI | 1757 | 7.5 |
| 14 | Perera, B Yenuthi Sahanlee | SRI | 1908 | 7.5 | |
| 15 | Rathnayaka, Minaga Yethmin | SRI | 1709 | 7.5 | |
| 16 | Weerathunga, Kavinu Sathnura | SRI | 1814 | 7.5 | |
| 17 | WFM | Newansa, M Esandi | SRI | 1905 | 7.5 |
| 18 | Miraj, Akila | SRI | 1801 | 7.5 | |
| 19 | Balendran, Misothan | SRI | 1724 | 7.5 | |
| 20 | Lamahewa, S | SRI | 1740 | 7.5 | |
| 21 | Gowsalyan, S | SRI | 1845 | 7.5 | |
| 22 | Kumudana, Urapola Narasinghage Kulunu | SRI | 1686 | 7.5 | |
| 23 | AFM | Dilusha, Tenath | SRI | 1658 | 7.5 |
| 24 | Dharmasena, K Kavinu Ransara | SRI | 1546 | 7.5 | |
| 25 | Labunahewage, Dulein Bimsath | SRI | 1675 | 7.5 |
(Total of 536 players participated)
A Bright Future for Sri Lankan Chess
The 12th Dhamso International Chess Festival 2025 has once again proven its significance as a pivotal event in the Asian chess landscape. The record participation is not just a number; it’s a vibrant indicator of the growing enthusiasm for chess in Sri Lanka and the broader region. Events like the Dhamso Festival are critical for identifying and nurturing new talent, providing essential FIDE-rated competition, and ultimately raising the standard of chess in the country.
As the curtains close on another successful edition, the chess community in Sri Lanka can look forward to even more competitive and well-attended tournaments. The dedication of organizations like the Old Boys` Chess Association of Dharmasoka College ensures that the flame of competitive chess continues to burn brightly, inspiring future generations of strategic thinkers and champions.
Gilbert Pendleton 
Marcus Blakely