Sri Lanka, an island nation increasingly making its mark on the global chess stage, recently hosted a tournament that underscored its growing prominence in the international chess community. The 12th Dhamso International Chess Festival (DICF) 2025, held from July 10th to 14th at the picturesque Sea Breeze Hotel in Ambalangoda, was not just another competition; it was a vibrant testament to the burgeoning chess talent and organizational prowess within the country. This edition broke records, attracting a staggering 536 players, a clear indicator of chess`s burgeoning popularity in Sri Lanka.
A Masterclass in Precision: The Open Championship
The Open Championship witnessed a performance of remarkable consistency and skill. CM A.A.C.B. Amarasinghe, a name now firmly etched in Sri Lankan chess history, delivered a masterclass. His near-perfect score of 9 out of 10 points, with only two draws marring an otherwise flawless run, earned him the coveted title of DICF Player of the Year. This achievement came with a substantial special award of LKR 150,000, a fitting recognition for his strategic acumen and unwavering focus.
While Amarasinghe stood tall, the battle for the remaining podium spots was a captivating display of strategic grit. A.A.H.M.B. Senarathne secured the first runner-up position with 8.5 points, navigating a tight field with commendable precision and edging out three other contenders on tie-breaks. The second runner-up title went to K.G. Wimalarathne, highlighting the depth of talent emerging from the younger ranks (U14). CM Kosala Sandeepa Chamikara Amarathunge, also demonstrating exceptional skill, finished a respectable fourth, just shy of the medals.
Queens of the Board: The Women`s Championship
Meanwhile, the Women’s Championship proved to be a nail-biting affair, demonstrating the depth of female talent in Sri Lankan chess. WCM Sethumlee Devhara Palliyage emerged as the deserving champion, her victory a testament to composure under pressure. The standings saw a remarkable four-way tie at 7.5 points, making the tie-break calculations a decisive factor in determining the ultimate winner.
Palliyage`s strategic superiority on the tie-break criteria allowed her to claim the top spot. Close behind, B. Yenuthi Sahanlee Perera secured the first runner-up position, while WFM M. Esandi Newansa earned the second runner-up title. R.P. Hansali H. Thrinethsaree, unfortunately, experienced the common athlete`s lament: performing admirably but narrowly missing the podium in a fiercely contested field.
A Legacy of Excellence: The Dhamso Festival`s Enduring Impact
The Dhamso International Chess Festival isn`t a newcomer to the Sri Lankan chess landscape; it’s a venerable institution. Since its inception in 2011, this FIDE-rated tournament has consistently provided a crucial platform for both seasoned players and rising stars. Organized by the Old Boys’ Chess Association of Dharmasoka College, and operating under the esteemed auspices of the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka, the Asian Chess Federation, and FIDE itself, the festival holds a unique distinction as the only long-standing FIDE-rated tournament managed by a school-affiliated body in the country. This speaks volumes about the dedication of its founders and volunteers.
The 12th edition continued this tradition, featuring both standard and blitz championships, catering to various preferences for speed and strategy. The collective prize pool of LKR 1.7 million, distributed through trophies, medals, and certificates, serves as a powerful incentive for players to hone their skills and compete at the highest level. Furthermore, the commitment to inclusivity, exemplified by every participant receiving a certificate, ensures that the festival fosters a welcoming and encouraging environment for all.
Beyond the Board: Nurturing Future Chess Talents
These festivals are more than just competitions; they are incubators for future grandmasters and a driving force behind the popularization of chess. By providing FIDE-rated opportunities within Sri Lanka, the Dhamso International Chess Festival directly contributes to the rating progression of local players, enabling them to compete on a more level playing field with international counterparts. The sheer volume of participants underscores a vibrant and active chess community, eager for high-caliber competition.
As the final pieces were put away at the Sea Breeze Hotel, the 12th Dhamso International Chess Festival left an indelible mark. It was a celebration of intellect, perseverance, and the timeless appeal of chess, proving once again that Sri Lanka is rapidly becoming a formidable force on the international chess scene. The future of Sri Lankan chess, it seems, is exceptionally bright, driven by events like the DICF that consistently raise the bar for competitive excellence and broad participation.
