The Junior Boys Trophy was won by Chiransa Lamahewa
from P De S Kularathna College, Galle with 11.5 points. Supun Kuruppu
of Ananda College finished second while Bhanuka Siriwardena of Royal
won the third place. The Junior Girls Trophy was won by Manisha Gunarathe
of Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya. Manisha who also plays for the Paul
Morphy Chess Club got 10 points. Methmani Nelunika of Anula Vidyalaya
finished second while third place went to Dinithi Kulathunga of Viskaha
Vidyalaya. In addition several special prizes were given to young participants
– gifts donated by the Acer Brand.
Mr. Nirosh De Silva, four times National Champion of
Sri Lanka and a member of the first ever Paul Morphy Chess Club team
to compete in the Sri Lanka Inter Clubs was the Chief Guest. Mr. Arya
Keerthi Kumarasena, Director Consultant of the Metropolitan Group, Sole
Agents for the Acer Brand of Computers in Sri Lanka was the Guest of
Honour.
Speaking at the closing ceremony the President of the
Paul Morphy Chess Club, Dulan explained the reasons why they tried to
organize an 18 game blitz tournament. The founding president of the
Paul Morphy Chess Club, Danuke Kuruppu spoke about the history of the
club, and thanked the present set of members for taking the club forward.
Naditha Amarakoon, the Secretary of the Paul Morphy Chess Club wrapping
up the proceedings thanked the sponsors, the media, the chess players
and all others who supported them in making this event – the best
non rated event held in Sri Lanka, a huge success.