North Central and Western Provinces Clinch Chess Titles at National Sports Festival

The chess competitions of the 50th National Sports Festival – 2026 concluded yesterday at the Torrington Sports Complex in Colombo.

The tournament was organised jointly by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Department of Sports Development.

Held from September 30 to October 3, 2026, the tournament saw the participation of 112 chess players representing all nine provinces of Sri Lanka.

In the men’s chess competition, the North Central Province won the championship, while the Western Province finished second and the Central Province secured third place.

Achinthya Shamen Kaluarachchi was named the Best Player in the men’s category.

In the women’s chess competition, the Western Province emerged champions, with the Southern Province finishing second and the Central Province taking third place.

Alos H. Sandithi Kusalya of the Western Province was named the Best Female Player.

Players representing all nine provinces took part in the tournament.