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One of the most powerful moments in sport is when a single athlete rises and carries the hopes of an entire nation. For Sri Lanka, that moment arrived in 2023—when a young girl from Mount Lavinia began rewriting the story of chess in the country.
That girl is Devindya Oshini Gunawardhana.
At just 14 years old, Oshini is already the world’s No. 1 Under-15 girl, ranked inside the Top 100 women globally, and holds the distinction of being the youngest player in the FIDE Women’s Top 100. Her journey is not just extraordinary—it is historic.
A Star is Born
Oshini’s journey began quietly at Ferguson High School in Ratnapura, where she first sat across a chessboard. What seemed like a simple introduction quickly turned into something far greater.
By 2021, her talent was undeniable. She earned a full scholarship to Wycherley International School in Colombo—a pivotal moment that set her on a path toward greatness.
A Meteoric Rise
What followed was nothing short of remarkable.
- 2022: Gold at the Asian Youth Championship (U10)
- Commonwealth Championship: Champion
- Asian Schools Championship: Champion
Within a single year, Oshini established herself as one of the most promising young chess players Sri Lanka had ever produced.
Her defining breakthrough came in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, at the FIDE World Cadet Chess Championship, where she made history by winning gold in the Under-12 Girls category—Sri Lanka’s first-ever medal at the event.
This victory earned her the Woman FIDE Master (WFM) title and the “Girls Player of the Year” award from the Asian Chess Federation.
Making History Again and Again
Oshini didn’t stop there.
- Western Asian Junior Championship: Silver medal (first WIM norm)
- 2024 Western Asian Girls (U20): Gold medal
- Youngest Woman International Master (WIM) in Sri Lankan history (at just 12 years and 5 months)
She became only the third Sri Lankan woman ever to achieve the WIM title—and by far the youngest.
That same year, she was crowned the youngest Sri Lanka National Women’s Champion and represented her country at the Chess Olympiad, delivering a stunning 8.5/9 performance and helping Sri Lanka secure bronze in Category C.
Dominating the World Stage
Her rise has only accelerated:
- 2025 Asian Junior Girls Championship: Runner-up
- FIDE U13 Rankings (2025): World No. 1
- Current (U15): World No. 1
With a rating of 2347, Oshini has shattered barriers—becoming the first Sri Lankan woman to cross 2100, and now approaching the elite 2350 mark.
For a country ranked 92nd in the world, with no Grandmasters and limited infrastructure, her achievements are nothing short of extraordinary.
The Team Behind the Champion
Behind every great athlete is a strong support system.
For Oshini, that pillar is her coach, CM FI Akila Kavinda, who has trained her since 2020—without charging a single fee. His belief in her talent has been unwavering, even in the face of limited recognition and resources.
Her journey is also closely tied to India, where she has competed in numerous tournaments. Regular exposure to strong competition and supportive organizers has played a crucial role in her development.
A Journey at Risk
Despite her global success, Oshini’s journey now faces a serious challenge.
Financial constraints threaten to halt her progress.
- Government support: $1500 (one-time grant in 2023)
- Chess federation support since 2021: ~$2500
While appreciated, these contributions fall far short of what is required to compete consistently on the international stage.
Her family, friends, and coach have done everything possible to support her. A generous Sri Lankan businessman even sponsored two European tours—leading to a dramatic rating jump from 2101 to 2347.
Yet, the reality remains: without sustained sponsorship, her journey may come to an abrupt stop.
Why Oshini Matters
Oshini’s story is bigger than chess.
Almost every player in the FIDE Women’s Top 100 comes from nations with:
- Established chess cultures
- Strong funding systems
- Access to elite coaching
- Regular international exposure
Sri Lanka has had limited access to most of these advantages.
And yet, Oshini broke through.
Her rise is built on raw talent, relentless dedication, and the belief of a small but committed support system.
A Call to Support a Future Champion
Oshini dreams of becoming a Grandmaster and Women’s World Champion.
She has already proven she belongs among the world’s best.
What she needs now is consistent financial backing—the kind many of her global peers take for granted.
“Oshini has the talent, the work ethic, and the results. What she lacks is the financial support to continue competing at the highest level.” – Oshini’s mother
Be Part of Her Journey
If you or your organization would like to support Devindya Oshini Gunawardhana’s journey:
📧 chandimarathnayake19@gmail.com
📞 +94 74 193 2029
Sri Lanka has already witnessed history.
Now, it has a chance to shape the future.
Let’s not allow a world-class talent to fade—not because of lack of ability, but because of lack of support.
