Disandi Damsuwi Padukkage is an energetic and talented eight-year-old from Gonapola who studies in Grade 3 at Somaweera Chandrasiri Vidyalaya, Piliyandala. 

Disandi is an only child with a bright smile and a big love for learning. She is a determined chess player. Whether it’s playing chess, drawing, dancing, or doing gymnastics, she shines in everything she tries. 

With many medals already won in chess and dreams of becoming a doctor one day, Disandi is a young girl full of determination, kindness, and creativity.

Tell us about yourself. 

My name is Disandi Damsuwi Padukkage. I’m eight years old. I live in Gonapola with my mother and father. I’m an only child.

I study in Grade 3 at Somaweera Chandrasiri Primary School in Piliyandala.

Do you have any pets?

Yes! I have a pet cat. Her name is Chooty Kitty and she’s white.

What are your hobbies?

I love to draw, read books, and play chess.

You said you have many medals. What are they for?

They are for chess.

When did you start playing chess?  

I started when I was in Grade 2.

Have you gone to any tournaments?  

Yes! I’ve been to many tournaments. I even went to all-island competitions and represented my school.

What was the last tournament you played in?  

It was the National Youth Rapid Chess Championship 2025 in February. I won third place in the Colombo District, which means I was the Second Runner-up.  

There were more than 70 students and I won all five rounds. I played in the Under 8 category.

How did you feel when you won?  

I felt really happy and confident. My parents said: “Well done!”

Do you learn chess only at school?

No, not just at school. I learn at school and also from my private coach. His name is Dilan Isuru Perera.

What is your favourite piece on the chessboard?  

I like the knight the most. I like it because the knight can do double attacks!

Do your friends play chess too?  

Yes, and I help them when they ask for tips.

What’s your favourite subject in school?  

Maths is my favourite subject.

Does playing chess help you with maths?

Yes! It helps me do calculations faster.

What do you want to do in the future?  

I want to get an international rating in chess and win international tournaments. I’m training hard and I’m very determined!

Do you play any other sports?  

Yes, I do gymnastics too. I went to a tournament and got nine out of 10 points!

Do you like drawing?  

Yes, I really do. I like to watch things and draw them. I’ve also taken part in drawing competitions at school.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I want to be a doctor. I like to help people who are in pain. I think it’s a great thing to help others.

What else do you enjoy?

I like Avurudu games. I recently ran in a race at an Avurudu celebration and got first place! I like swimming and I also like to dance. 

I just started going to class this January for dancing too. I like traditional dancing over Western dancing. 

Disandi’s recent achievements

• Second Runner-up – Sri Lanka National Youth Rapid Chess Championship 2025 (Under 8 Girls’ category), organised by the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka
• Merit Award – Piliyandala Zonal Sri Lanka Schools Individual Chess Tournament 2024 (Under 7 category), organised by the Sri Lanka Schools Chess Association
• Merit Award – Western Province Sri Lanka Schools Individual Chess Tournament 2024 (Under 7 category), organised by the Sri Lanka Schools Chess Association
• Proficiency Award – Level 1 – Sri Lanka Schools Gymnastics Association (2023)