In the vibrant coastal town of Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka, the 12th Dhamso International Chess Festival 2025 recently concluded, leaving an indelible mark on the nation`s chess landscape. More than just a competition, this year`s festival, held from July 10 to 14 at the picturesque Sea Breeze Hotel, was a spectacular demonstration of strategic depth, emerging talent, and the ever-growing passion for chess across the island nation.
Breaking all previous records, the event attracted an astounding 536 players, a testament to its expanding prestige and the tireless dedication of its organizers. This significant turnout underscores the festival`s critical role in nurturing a vibrant chess community, from aspiring juniors to seasoned masters.
New Champions Emerge from Intense Battles
The spotlight shone brightly on two exceptional players who navigated the challenging rounds to claim their respective titles:
Open Championship: CM A A C B Amarasinghe Crowned DICF Player of the Year
In the fiercely contested Open Championship, local hero CM A A C B Amarasinghe delivered a performance that can only be described as masterful. Securing a commanding 9 out of 10 points, Amarasinghe`s near-perfect run, with only two draws in the later rounds, cemented his dominance. His exceptional play earned him the coveted title of “DICF Player of the Year” and a special award of LKR 150,000, in addition to the overall Open Championship trophy. The precision and consistency displayed by Amarasinghe are clear indicators of the high level of chess emerging from Sri Lanka.
The podium was rounded out by other formidable contenders: A A H M B Senarathne secured the first runner-up position after a nail-biting tie-break, while K G Wimalarathne claimed the second runner-up spot. CM Kosala Sandeepa Chamikara Amarathunge demonstrated impressive skill to finish in fourth place, highlighting the depth of talent in the Open category.
Women`s Championship: WCM Sethumlee Devhara Palliyage Victorious
The Women`s category saw an equally thrilling conclusion, with WCM Sethumlee Devhara Palliyage emerging as the champion after an intense four-way tie at 7.5 points. Her triumph, secured through superior tie-break scores, speaks volumes about her composure and strategic acumen under pressure. This victory solidifies her position at the forefront of female chess in Sri Lanka, inspiring future generations of women players.
Joining her on the winners` list were B Yenuthi Sahanlee Perera and WFM M Esandi Newansa, who earned the first and second runner-up titles respectively. The close competition underscores the rising standards and competitive spirit within Sri Lankan women`s chess.
A Legacy of Chess Excellence
The Dhamso International Chess Festival is no fleeting event. Organized by the Old Boys’ Chess Association of Dharmasoka College, it stands as a cornerstone of the Sri Lankan chess calendar since its inception in 2011. Uniquely, it remains the only long-standing FIDE-rated tournament managed by a school-affiliated body in the country, a remarkable feat that showcases the enduring commitment of its alumni to promoting chess.
Conducted under the esteemed auspices of the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka, the Asian Chess Federation, and FIDE, the festival provides a crucial platform for players to gain international ratings, hone their skills, and engage in high-level competition. This year`s edition featured both standard and blitz championships, catering to diverse playing styles and ensuring a dynamic competitive environment.
Beyond the Board: Nurturing Talent and Recognition
With a substantial total prize pool of LKR 1.7 million distributed through trophies, medals, and certificates, the Dhamso Festival is a significant incentive for players. However, the organizers` commitment extends beyond monetary rewards. Every single participant received a certificate of participation, a thoughtful gesture that underscores the event`s ethos of inclusivity and recognition of every individual`s effort and passion for the game. This approach cultivates a supportive environment crucial for fostering future chess champions.
The 12th Dhamso International Chess Festival 2025 has not only celebrated individual victories but also reinforced Sri Lanka`s growing prominence on the international chess map. Through record participation, rigorous competition, and unwavering organizational dedication, the festival continues to be a vital catalyst for chess development, promising an even brighter future for the sport in Sri Lanka.
Rupert Hartwell 
Benedict Kingsley