10th Dhamso International Chess Festival in Sri Lanka

by ChessBase
6/14/2023 – The 10th Dhamso International Chess Festival was held on May 26-30 at the Hotel Lavanga Resort & Spa in Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka. In the main event, IM Mohan Kushara (pictured) won the championship by scoring 9/10 points, while R M Dulinma Hemalni Rathnayake won the women’s championship after scoring 7/10 points. More than 660 players competed in the event which included one GM, two IMs, one FM and three Arena FMs from four different countries: Azerbaijan, India, Russia and Sri Lanka.

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By IA Malith Akalanka

International Master Mohan Kushagra from India was crowned DICF (Dhamso International Chess Festival) Player of the Year. Arena FIDE Master R M Dulinma Hemalni Rathnayake was crowned women’s champion of the Chess Festival.

The 10th Dhamso International Chess Festival, which was organized by the Old Boys’ Chess Association of Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda, was held on May 26-30 at the Hotel Lavanga Resort & Spa, Hikkaduwa. The festival was fully endorsed by the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka, the Asian Chess Federation and the World Chess Federation. Celebrating the 10th year of the DICF, a total cash fund of Rs 1.4 million was offered to the winners besides certificates, medals & trophies. The event was held as a 10-round Swiss system event with a time control of 90 minutes for the games plus 30-second increments from move one.

More than 660 players competed in the event which included one GM, two IMs, one FM and three Arena FMs from four different countries: Azerbaijan, India, Russia and Sri Lanka.

Azer Mirzoev

GM Azer Mirzoev

This year, the festival consisted of a classical event, a blitz event, workshops, parents’ events, movie showings and many more activities. A few founders of the Dhamso International Chess Festival — which started in 2011 — graced the awarding ceremony as the honorary guests: Mr Chamin Dennis Livera, Mr Gihan Kanchana, Mr Jayamal De Vas Gunawardhana, Mr Malith Akalanka and Mr Luxman Wijesuriya, President of the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka.

In the Dhamso International Blitz Chess Championship, IM Mohan Kushara won the championship by scoring 8½/9 points. He only dre one game, in the fifth round. Three players tied for second place. With a better tie-break score, K P R N Samaranayake and M Thisal Manjith Piyumantha won the silver and bronze medals respectively. IM Himal Gusain secured equal second place. WCM T H D Niklesha Tharushi won the women’s championship after scoring 7½/9 points. WCM K M Dahamdi Sanudula became the runner-up after scoring 7/9 points. Two players tied for third place, A G Javindi Avarjana Akuratiya and Oneli Omaya Wilvalaarachchi. With a better tie-break, A G Javindi Avarjana Akuratiya won the bronze medal. Winners in the other 16 categories were also awarded with prizes.

Dhamso Chess Festival 2023

The tournament hall

In the main event, IM Mohan Kushara won the championship by scoring 9/10 points. He drew two games, in rounds 8 and 10. Three players tied for second place, each with 8½/10 points. With better tie-breaks, S D B K Senevirathne from Sri Lanka and GM Azer Mirzoev from Azerbaijan secured the silver and bronze medals. Arena FM R M Dulinma Hemalni Rathnayake won the women’s championship after scoring 7/10 points. Six players tied atop the standings with 7/10 points. With better tie-breaks, Dulinma managed to emerge as the champion. WCM K M Dahamdo Sanudula and Yasasi Geemini Abeysekara won the silver and bronze medals respectively. Winners in the other 22 categories were also awarded prizes.

R M Dulinma Hemalni Rathnayake

R M Dulinma Hemalni Rathnayake won the women’s championship


The following partners joined us to bring a great experience for all the participants.

  • Technical Partner - idChess
  • Printing Partner - INLUCK Computers & Printers
  • Stationery Partner - Panhinda Bookshop
  • Digital Printing Partner - AKRA FOTO Digital Colourlab & Studio
  • Official Photography and Videography Partner - RAIZON Photography

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