Colombo, Jan 3, Wed – Rashmitha Liyanage from DS Senanayake College and Ehsha Mishela from Visakha Vidyalaya emerged victorious in the Under-17 Boys and Girls categories, respectively, at the National Youth Chess Championship. The tournament, hosted by the Sri Lanka Chess Federation, took place at Dharmapala Vidyalaya Pannipitiya from December 27 to 30.
Rashmitha Liyanage faced tough competition from 88 participants in the Under-17 Boys category, navigating through eight rounds to secure the championship with an impressive score of 7/8 points. Dimuth Suraweera, his schoolmate, secured the runner-up position, while BK Seneviratne from Maliyadeva College claimed the second runner-up spot with superior tiebreaks.
In the Under-17 Girls category, Ehsha Mishela Pallie of Visakha Vidyalaya showcased her strategic skills against 47 participants over eight rounds, clinching the championship with a score of 7/8 points. Dahamdi Sanudula from Musaeus College secured the runner-up position, and Chanethma Marasinghe of Girls’ High School Kandy secured the second runner-up position with a superior tiebreak.
The four-day tournament featured competitions across seven age categories, spanning from Under-7 to Under-19, attracting chess enthusiasts from top schools nationwide. The awards ceremony, attended by Chess Federation President Luxman Wijesuriya and Executive Members of the Federation, commended the exceptional talent and sportsmanship displayed by the young participants.
