Reviewed by Sathira Marahela and Shahrukh Fairooz Chess is the silent dance of pieces across a checkered board where each move is a mix of attack and defense. This is a dynamic battlefield with countless possibilities, one wrong maneuver is all it takes for the game to change completely. Chess is not just a game, but a testament to the power of intellect. The Inter-House Chess Tournament took place on the 29th and 30th of April 2024 at the Trinity College premises. The tournament was an all-play-all, meaning that each team from each house will have played with each other at least once. As the time drew close, the commotion settled and all the players were ready to bring glory to their respective houses. As the tournament came to an end, the players were eager to know the final results of the tournament. The battle of the minds had come to an end and the results were as follows; Senior houses 1st place – Lemuel House – 25 points 2nd place – Oorloof House – 18.5 points 3rd place – Garret House – 11.5 points 4th place – Central Boarding House – 11 points 5th place – Simithraaratchy House – 9 points Junior houses 1st place – Sahayam House – 24 points 2nd place – Gibson House – 18 points 3rd place – Squealery House – 7 points. 4th place – Pilcher House – 10 points 5th place – Saunders House – 55points The entire team of chess players was contented, despite the result, because they knew that they had gone the extra mile to win the tournament. The wins and losses the players faced throughout the tournament had surely been a learning experience. It is almost certain that everyone improved something after participating in this tournament, whether it be chess or even quick decision-making. A heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Roshaliya Benedict, the Teacher-in-charge of chess, for her contribution in making this event a success, as well as the coach Mr. Rajeendra Kalugampitiya for his unwavering commitment. Congratulations to all participants for their exceptional performances.
Reviewed by Shahrukh Fairooz (Web Content Team) Chess is a game where every movement is strategic, and each piece carries countless possibilities. In this strategic game, players carefully manoeuvre their pieces through defence and attack. In the silent clash of minds, chess goes beyond a mere ‘game’ and acts as a metaphor for life’s challenges and, pursuit for victory through calculated decisions. The Sri Lanka Schools’ Team Chess Tournament 2023, (Central Province) which is a prestigious event conducted by the Sri Lanka Schools’ Chess Association was held from 18th to 19th November 202 3. The U13 Team of TCK, was an eager participant at this event. After a crucial battle of minds and manoeuvres, the team was able to win 1st runners up with 25½ points out of 6 rounds. Members of the team were: Adding on to the accomplishment of the Chess Team, W.D.S. Fernando who played on board 2, was adjudged the best performer. Behind the success of the team, was Master Sithila Dissanayake, who was the Chess Captain for the year 2022. Master Sithila Dissanayake scheduled multiple practices to ascertain that our players polished their skills. Thus, he was no less than a coach for the chess team. The team is grateful to Master Dissanayake and, the MIC Miss Roshalya Benedict who was at hand at all times, guiding, cheering and encouraging the team behind the scenes.
The Junior School inter-house meet took place in Junior School Main hall on 4th October 2018, with teams consisting of players from grade 5 and 4. Campbell House defended the title they won last year against the Carter Reds. After four rounds Campbell secured 19/24 points over other houses. Carter Reds came second scoring 18/24 points. Carter Blues placed third scoring 15/24. Champions: Campbell House 01. Senith Herath (Captain) 02. Wosanda Malarachchi 03. Dasula Pathirana 04. Savindu Gunasena 05. Janidu Liyanagama 06. Sabith Akeel Best performance of each board was awarded the Board Prize and those top six players competed separately for the Best Player of the Tournament award. Best Board Performance First Board: Asitha Second Board: Senith Herath Third Board: Thesandu Kamburugamuwa Fourth Board: Pravana Dissanayake Fifth Board: Ronal Weerasekara Sixth Board: Thanish Umer Best player of the tournament After 5 rounds Senith Herath became the champion of the tournament scoring 5/5. Thesandu Kamburugamuwa and Ronal Weerasekara placed second and third. The award ceremony was held on 12th October 2018 and players received their awards from Junior School Head Master Mr Marasinghe. Tournament was a success as result of the efforts of the Junior School Teacher in Charge Mrs Sulthan and chess coaches Mr Rajeendra Kalugampitiya and Mr Lahiru T. Kalupahana.
The Inter-House Chess Tournament for 2018 was held on the 4th of October at the Middle School premises. Two categories were contested Under 13 (grades 6 and 7) and Under 15 (grades 8 and 9). The tournament was played as 5 second splits as the winner was decided by the rules. The players showed much enthusiasm in the tournament as they all played in the greatest spirit of sportsmanship. Results of the Under 13 Category: 1st Place – Pilcher 2nd Place – Sahayam 3rd Place – Gibson 4th Place – Squellary 5th Place – Saunders Results of the Under 15 Category: The Under 15 tournament turned out to be a thriller. Three houses secured the same amount of points, and the winner was decided with a tie-breaker. The results were as follows: 1st Place – Sahayam 2nd Place – Saunders 3rd Place – Squellary 4th Place – Gibson 5th Place – Pilcher The tournament was planned for two days, but the excellent organizing by Mrs Bhagya Dissanayake (Teacher-in-Charge), the senior chess players, and the Coach Mr Lahiru Hapuarachchi meant the tournament was finished in just a day. The Chess Club has been a very active and enthusiastic as the players are getting ready for an Inter-School Tournament on the 9th, 10th and 11th of October. Review by Abidh Jameel
Trinity College Under 20 team was placed 2nd and the Under 11 team was placed 3rd in the All Island Inter School Chess Championship organized by St. Sylvester College, Kandy. The tournament was held on 28th and 29th of October 2017 at St. Sylvester College Primary School. The Under 11 team scored 4/4 against Sylvester L , 4/4 Against DS Senanayake College, 0.5/4 against Chandananda, 4/4 against Vidyartha H, 4/4 against Sussex College, and 2/4 against Girls High School from rounds one to six. Senara Fernando 5/6, Yewan Herath Bandara 3/5, Senith Herath 5/6, Thesandu Kaburugamuwa 4.5/6, and Hansana Jayasundara scored 1/1. After tough six rounds the team was able to secure the third place and bringing another trophy to Trinity. Credit goes to Junior School Chess Coach FIDE Master Rajeendra Kalugampitiya, Sri Lankan National Champion 2016. The Under 20 team of L H Gunarathne, D H Ketipearachchi, J J M Y A B Jayasundara, SC Dissanayake, and K C Harrikizhan was placed 2nd in their category. The team was guided throughout the tournament by their chess coach Lahiru Hapuarachchi.