Sri Lanka continues to shine on the global stage — and at the heart of this success is Devindya Oshini Gunawardhana, a remarkable young chess star who has rewritten history and elevated the nation’s reputation in the world of competitive chess. At just 12 years old, Oshini has achieved what many players around the world cannot accomplish in a lifetime: she became the youngest active Woman International Master (WIM) in the world, a milestone that places her among the brightest talents in the global chess arena.
Her journey is a combination of extraordinary talent, discipline, national pride, and relentless ambition — and today, she stands as one of Sri Lanka’s most inspiring young icons.
♟️ Youngest Woman International Master in the World
In July 2024, Oshini officially earned the prestigious Woman International Master (WIM) title at the age of 12 years and 5 months, making her the youngest WIM currently active in world chess. This achievement instantly captured international attention, marking a historic milestone not only for Sri Lanka but for global women’s chess.
🏆 Sri Lanka’s First-Ever Chess World Champion
Oshini became a national hero when she won the Under-12 Girls category at the 2023 World Cadet Chess Championship — making her the first Sri Lankan to win a world chess championship title. This victory changed the course of Sri Lankan chess forever, proving that the country can compete — and win — at the highest level.
👑 Youngest Sri Lankan Women’s National Champion
In April 2024, at the age of just 12, Oshini became the youngest player ever to win the Sri Lanka National Women’s Chess Championship. Her victory shattered long-standing records and placed her firmly as the leading female player in the country.
🌍 Global Ranking & FIDE Achievements
As of November 2025, Oshini continues her rise with an impressive international profile:
- FIDE Classical Rating: 2272
- FIDE Profile Rating (Official): 2250 (2025)
- World Ranking: Top 50 Junior Girls (Under-20) in the world
These ratings place her among the strongest junior female players globally, a rare accomplishment for an athlete still in her early teens.
🥇 International Success & Major Tournament Wins
Oshini’s recent achievements highlight her growing dominance on the international chess circuit:
✔️ Bronze Medalist – 45th Chess Olympiad 2024
Representing Sri Lanka, she scored an extraordinary 8.5/9, helping the Sri Lankan women’s team secure bronze in Category C — one of the country’s greatest Olympiad performances.
✔️ 2025 Asian Zonal Women’s Blitz Champion
Her fast-paced strategic skills helped her clinch the 2025 Asian Zonal title in Women’s Blitz.
✔️ Best Female Player – Capechecs 2025 (France)
Her impressive performance earned her the Best Female Player Award, reaffirming that she can dominate among top European competitors as well.
🌟 A Future World Champion in the Making
When asked about her long-term dream, Oshini is clear and confident:
She aims to become the Women’s World Chess Champion.
With her current trajectory, discipline, and international recognition, Sri Lanka may soon celebrate its first world champion in classical chess — and Oshini is well on her way to making that dream a reality.
🔗 FIDE Official Profile
Check her updated rankings and tournament results here: Click Here
