Everyone knows chess is a world-famous indoor game that requires lots of thinking and critical skills. It is a game of strategy and tactics played by two players on a checkered board. Chess sets come in many varieties and colours, while the traditional colours are in black and white. Chess is an ancient game with a rich history originating all the way to India around the 6th century. Each player controls 16 pieces, including one king, one queen, two rooks, two bishops, two knights and eight pawns. Chess is a very popular game among school -children, teenagers and adults. Chess is for everyone regardless of age or gender; you can start at any age and discover the wonders of this amazing board game.
Today on Amazing Kids, we introduce a friend who has won many victories in the game of chess. He is Chanuga. Let’s talk about Chanuga’s talents and achievements.
Q: Tell me about yourself.
A: I am Chanuga Dehan Perera, 11 years old. I am studying at Sussex College, Kiribathgoda, in Grade 6.
Q: Tell me about your family.
Chanuga with his school Principal, R.D. Balasooriya and Spots Teacher, Amara Paranavithana
A: There are four members in my family: my father, my mother, my younger sister, and I. My father’s name is Chanaka Perera, and he works as the Deputy General Manager at the DSI Company. My mother, Anusha Priyadarshani, is a housewife. My younger sister is named Anugi Senulya Perera.
Q: How did you take to chess?
A: I started playing chess at school after watching my older friends playing there.
Q: How did you develop a passion for chess?
A: I studied chess at school by participating in extra classes in school. Often I played chess games, and I loved watching how the chess master Magnus Carlsen played.
Q: Who helps you develop your chess career?
A: My parents, the principal, the PTI teacher and my chess coach, Maheshi, helps me to develop my career.
Q: How does the school support you in playing chess?
A: My school gave me the opportunity to play in chess tournaments. And we have good after-school sessions for chess under a good trainer.
Q: What achievements have you made in chess so far?
A: I participated in many tournaments and won many awards, such as 1st runner up – Kelaniya Zonal Chess Championship, Super Merit Award – Kings Paradise Chess Championship; Merit Award – Metropolitan Chess Championship; 2nd runner-up – 2nd Knight’s Chess Championship; Merit Award – Gampaha Chess Challenge; Chess Champion 2025 and 1st Place (mixed event) – Sussex College, Kiribathgoda; 3rd Place – Annual Inter Sussex Chess Competition. And also I have participated in the 7th Mora King’s International Open Rated Blitz Chess Championship and the Sri Lanka National Youth Chess Championship.
Q: Chanuga, besides chess, what other sports do you like?
A: I like playing badminton, running events and karate.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: My hobbies are reading horror books, playing chess, and playing badminton.
Q: What are your favourite subjects?
A: I like mathematics and science the most.
Q: What is your future ambition?
A: I am studying to be a scientist to do research in medicine.
Q: What do you hope to achieve through chess?
A: My role model in chess is Magnus Carlsen. I hope to represent my country in international chess tournaments and hope to be a world chess champion one day like my role model.
We at the Junior Observer wish Chanuga all the very best for all his future endeavours and hope that he will make Sri Lanka shine in the world of chess.
Pix Ranjith Asanka
