The Sri Lanka National Chess Championship 2025 took place from 18th to 21st July and 26th to 28th July at the Sports Ministry Auditorium in Colombo. Organized annually by the Sri Lanka Chess Federation, this prestigious event determines the Sri Lanka National Chess Champion and Sri Lanka National Women’s Chess Champion, while also selecting players for the national men’s and women’s chess teams.
A total of 28 top players—14 in the Open category and 14 in the Women’s category—competed in a 13-round tournament spread across seven days, with two rounds played daily after the opening round on July 18.
Men’s Event Results
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Champion: Dhanushka Bandara (Kandyan Lions Chess Club, former captain of Vidyartha College, Kandy) – 9.5 points (7 wins, 5 draws)
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Runner-up: FM Dishal Nimsara (Sri Chandananda Buddhist College) – 8.5 points (5 wins, 7 draws)
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Third Place: Achinthya Kaluarachchi (Kandyan Lions Chess Club) – 8 points (6 wins, 4 draws)
Women’s Event Results
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Champion: WFM Esandi Newansa (Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda) – 10.5 points (8 wins, 5 draws)
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Runner-up: WFM Dahamdi Sanudula (NSBM Green University) – 10.5 points (8 wins, 5 draws, lost on tie-break)
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Third Place: WIM Oshini Devindya (Wycherley International School, Colombo) – 9.5 points (8 wins, 3 draws)
The tournament showcased intense competition and exceptional skill from Sri Lanka’s best chess players, highlighting the nation’s growing strength in the sport.