• Chenaya Ekaratne on what draws her to chess

Chess is a game that requires both skill and strategy, and is one that 14-year-old Chenaya Ekaratne is already showing great promise in. Chenaya was recently honoured with the ‘Most Popular School Chess Player of the Year – Girl’ title at the Sri Lanka National Chess Excellency Awards 2025. The award ceremony was held on 1 June at the BMICH.

She has shown skill not only in Sri Lanka, but has also represented the country overseas. In 2023, Chenaya captained the Sri Lanka Schools Team at the World School Chess Championship, which was held in Greece.

Her achievements include participating in the World Youth Chess Championship 2024 (Brazil), Asian Youth Chess Championship 2024 (Kazakhstan), Asian Youth Rapid Chess Championship 2024 (Kazakhstan), Asian Youth Blitz Chess Championship 2024 (Kazakhstan), and Asian Schools Blitz Chess Championship 2024 (Thailand).

Chenaya also played at the Commonwealth Chess Championship 2023/2024 (Malaysia), Commonwealth Blitz Chess Championship 2023/2024 (Malaysia), Western Asian Youth Chess Championship 2024 (Sri Lanka), Commonwealth Chess Championship 2024 (Sri Lanka), Commonwealth Blitz Chess Championship 2024 (Sri Lanka), and Commonwealth Rapid Chess Championship 2024 (Sri Lanka).

Last year, Chenaya won bronze medals at the Asian Schools Chess Championship and the Asian Schools Rapid Chess Championship held in Thailand.

While Chenaya, a student of Musaeus College, Colombo 7, is the captain of the Under-15 Chess Team of her school, her interests go beyond the chessboard. She also plays badminton and was the former band leader of the Junior Western Band.

Chenaya currently plays the side drum in the Senior Brass Band and said she was also a proud member of the Senior Western Choir at her school. Her interests are mainly music, painting, and creative writing.

In conversation with The Daily Morning Brunch, the young chess champion spoke about what draws her to the game, what the recognition at the Sri Lanka National Chess Excellency Awards 2025 feels like, and her message for fellow young players.

Following are excerpts from the interview:

What drew you to chess? When did you start playing?

I started playing chess when I was about nine years old. As a child, I was very talkative and mischievous, and I could hardly stay in one place or keep my mouth shut. So, my father decided to introduce me to chess, hoping it would help me to be calmer and more reserved. And it did, but only while I’m playing chess, not otherwise.

What appeals the most to you about chess? What do you find most challenging?

I don’t think any other sport makes you mentally stronger than chess. It teaches you to think strategically and logically. Moreover, it shows you that every move and every decision you make has its own consequences.

What I find most challenging about chess is that it consumes a lot of time and energy, often more than any other sport.

What’s the field like in Sri Lanka, especially for schoolgirl players? Have you found your parents and school to be encouraging?

The Chess Federation of Sri Lanka and the Schools’ Chess Association of Sri Lanka have laid a very solid foundation for schoolgirl players. And yes, both my parents and my school are supportive and encouraging at all times.

You’ve represented Sri Lanka in various countries. What were those experiences like?

Honestly, those experiences are beyond words. It was truly amazing to be just 13 years old and flying around the world, representing my country and bringing pride to my motherland. Many overseas players, especially from countries like India and Russia, attend specialised chess schools instead of regular schools and focus solely on chess. As a result, they are incredibly strong players.

Despite the tough competition, I’ve made many friends from around the world, which has been a wonderful part of the journey. We still keep in touch, and it’s heartwarming to know that chess has not only sharpened my mind but also helped me build lasting friendships across borders. These experiences have taught me so much about different cultures, resilience, and the spirit of true sportsmanship.

Are there any standout moments as a chess player that you will always remember?

To be appointed as the captain of the team which represented Sri Lanka at the World Schools Chess Championship 2023 held in Greece. It was a great pleasure and honour to lead the Sri Lankan team. 

Earlier this month, you received the ‘Most Popular School Chess Player – Girl’ title at the Sri Lanka National Chess Excellency Awards 2025. What does this recognition mean to you?

Receiving the ‘Most Popular School Chess Player – Girl’ title at the Sri Lanka National Chess Excellency Awards 2025 means so much to me. It’s not just an award, it’s a reminder that people believed in me, supported me, and appreciated the hard work I’ve put into this game.

Chess can sometimes feel like a lonely journey, especially during tough matches or long hours of training, but this recognition made me feel seen and valued. I’m incredibly thankful to everyone who supported me and stood by me, especially my parents, my school, my coaches, and my friends. It motivates me to keep going, to keep improving, and to represent my school and country with even more passion.

I hope this award also inspires other young girls out there to take up chess and believe in their abilities, no matter what.

What are your main goals or targets as a chess player? Are there any tournaments you’d love to compete in?

I have participated in every well recognised chess tournament in Sri Lanka as well as overseas representing my country. The only tournament I am yet to compete in is the Chess Olympiad, which is like the Olympic games for other athletes. Therefore, my next goal and wish is to compete in this tournament.

What message do you have for young chess players such as yourself?

Like I said before, chess isn’t a physical sport, it’s a mind game. And through everything I’ve experienced, it has made me so much stronger mentally. It taught me to face challenges with confidence and helped shape me into someone who doesn’t easily break under pressure. In fact, chess made my heart strong, like a rock.

I don’t get discouraged easily anymore, and I’ve learned how to stay calm even in the most intense situations. Chess has taught me so many life lessons. I’ve learned patience, focus, and how to think carefully before making a move, both on the board and in real life. It showed me that losing isn’t something to fear, but something to learn from. Every win and every loss has helped me grow.

For me, chess isn’t just a game, it’s something that’s helped me become tougher, wiser, and more determined. It really changed the way I see myself and the world around me.

To all the young chess players out there, keep pushing forward. It doesn’t matter how many times you lose as long as you keep learning and growing. Stay true to yourself, believe in your abilities, and enjoy the game. Chess teaches you more than just moves; it teaches you about life and prepares you for the future.