Devindya Oshini Creates Chess History with Global No. 1 Ranking

by Staff Writer 13-12-2025 | 3:10 PM

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Sri Lanka’s rising chess prodigy W.I.M. Devindya Oshini Gunawardhana has created history by becoming the first Sri Lankan to reach World No. 1 in any global age category, topping the Under-13 Girls’ World Chess Rankings.

The young star, who began her chess journey at Ferguson Girls’ High School in Ratnapura and later moved to Wycherley International School, Colombo, is currently coached by veteran trainer Akila Kavinda.

In another landmark achievement, Oshini has climbed to 42nd place in the World Junior Girls’ Rankings, making her the first Sri Lankan female player to enter the global top 50, with a peak FIDE rating of 2272.

Her rise has been powered by consistent international success, including becoming the youngest Sri Lankan to earn the Woman FIDE Master title in June 2024 after crossing the 1900 ELO mark.

Oshini first announced her arrival on the world stage in 2021 by winning the Girls’ Under-10 title at the FIDE Youth Chess World Cup, Sri Lanka’s first-ever FIDE world title, and later added Asian and world cadet titles to her name.

She continued her golden run by becoming the youngest National Women’s Chess Champion in 2024 and most recently claimed a bronze medal at the 2025 FIDE Under-12 World Cup in Batumi, Georgia.