What do you think makes you a good coach?
I believe that mistakes are an essential part of learning. Practice does not make us perfect immediately, but it helps us grow stronger, more confident, and more capable over time.
No two children learn in exactly the same way. Some may pick up new chess concepts quickly, while others develop their skills through patience, repetition, and persistence. Both have the potential to become strong chess players when they receive the right guidance and encouragement.
My role as a coach is to help every child believe in their own abilities, learn from setbacks, and feel supported throughout their chess journey. I want students to understand that progress looks different for everyone and that improvement comes from continuing to try.
What are your key strengths?
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Leadership – I am confident guiding groups, setting clear expectations, and helping students stay focused and motivated.
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Nurturing support – I create a positive environment where children feel comfortable asking questions and learning from mistakes.
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Strategic thinking – I enjoy analysing situations, identifying opportunities, and helping students approach problems thoughtfully.
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Quick thinking – I can respond calmly and adapt when a lesson or activity needs a different approach.
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Strong communication – I explain ideas clearly and adjust my language to suit each student’s age, personality, and level of understanding.
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Adaptability – I enjoy getting to know each child and finding the teaching approach that helps them learn best.
Why do you love chess?
Chess is especially meaningful to me because it was how I connected with my grandfather. When I was young, he mainly spoke Sinhala while I mainly spoke English, which created a language barrier between us.
Chess became the language we shared. Through the game, we were able to communicate, spend meaningful time together, and build lasting memories without needing many words.
Because of this, chess has always been more than just a game to me. It represents connection, family, and the ability of a shared activity to bring people together across generations and cultures.
When and how did you first learn to play?
I first learned chess from my father when I was around Year 1 at primary school. I continued playing throughout my school years, becoming an active member of both my primary and secondary school chess clubs.
During that time, I represented my schools in inter-school tournaments and gained valuable experience through regular play and competition.
I stepped away from chess for a period while attending university, but I have recently returned to the game with renewed enthusiasm. I now enjoy playing, studying, and continuing to develop my understanding of chess.
Why do you enjoy working with kids?
I enjoy working with children because every child brings their own personality, strengths, curiosity, and way of learning. I find it rewarding to understand what makes each student unique and then find the right approach to help them improve.
Some children respond best to demonstrations, others learn through discussion, repetition, or practical challenges. I enjoy adapting lessons so that each student feels included, capable, and encouraged.
One of the most rewarding moments in coaching is seeing a child overcome something they initially found difficult and realise what they are capable of achieving.
What are your main chess achievements?
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Learning chess at a young age and maintaining a connection with the game for more than two decades.
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Becoming an active member of both primary and secondary school chess clubs.
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Representing my schools in inter-school chess tournaments.
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Developing practical experience through regular play, competition, and study.
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Returning to chess after university and rebuilding a regular habit of playing and learning.
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Maintaining a lifelong passion for the game, even after periods away from it.
My greatest achievement is that chess has remained an important part of my life for more than 22 years. Even when I step away from the game, the smallest spark of interest brings me back to the board, ready to learn, improve, and challenge myself again.
How do you think chess helps kids?
Chess teaches children far more than how to move pieces. It helps them understand how they learn, how they make decisions, and how they respond to challenges.
Just as students have different study habits, every chess player gradually develops their own way of thinking. Some may rely on visual patterns, others on calculation, repetition, intuition, or careful planning. Chess gives children the opportunity to discover which approaches work best for them.
It also teaches them to analyse mistakes without being discouraged, adjust their thinking, and try again with greater understanding. Over time, this builds confidence, patience, resilience, independence, and self-awareness.
These skills extend well beyond the chessboard and help children become more adaptable learners, more thoughtful decision-makers, and more confident young people.