Life is a balancing act- Chamika
By Harsha Amarasinghe
Sunday, 16 June 2013 00:00
CHAMIKA PERERA IS AN 18-YEAR-OLD chess player from Trinity College, Kandy who re-wrote Sri Lanka's Chess history in 2011, when he became the youngest National Champion at the age of 16. Since then he has been one of the most consistent Chess players.
What made you choose this particular game?
Well I started playing this game when I was a kid. I think I was in pre-school when my eldest brother first introduced this game to me and I've been hooked to it ever since. My two elder brothers and I enjoy every bit of this beautiful game.
What has been the best moment in chess?
My best performance was at the Sri Lanka National Chess Championship in 2011 where I went on to become the youngest National Champion. It is the biggest milestone in my life so far. I was guided Chathura Rajapakse. I believe his guidance played a massive role in the tournament. I wasn't sure whether it actually happened. It took few minutes to get back down to earth. It felt really good!
Who is the toughest opponent you've faced so far?
The toughest opponent I've ever played is Grand Master Ivan Sokolov (Rating of 2642) of the Netherlands at the World Chess Olympiad in 2012. I have always found Athula Russel, who won the National Championship several times, to be a tough opponent in the few games I have played against him. I always loved to watch his slow, calm strategic moves. So for me, he is actually the toughest opponent.
Were there any obstacles that you faced as a chess player?
Yes of course. It's quite natural because everyone faces some sort of challenges on their way to the top of their careers. I was a swimmer too. Therefore, I had to balance my studies and sports. That was something really challenging. There were many occasions where I had to choose a Chess tournament over a swimming meet or vice versa. But with all of the obstacles, I had my family, coaches and friends around me who always led me on the right path.
What role did your school play in helping you becoming good sportsman?
I am currently a student of Trinity College Kandy and the support I've got from the school is immense. Mrs. Warna and Mrs. Rambukwalla were the Mistresses-in-Charge of Chess when I was in Junior School. Their love and caring ways helped all the students to develop their talents in sports and studies. Mr. Senaratne, who is the Master- in-Charge of Chess in the Upper School has always supported and worked hard to bring high standards to the game.
Who is your role model?
There are several great players I have always looked up to like Garry Kasparov, Bobby fischer, Mikhail Tal. But I was not that much interested in players I've never met. So when I was young I wanted to be like Athula Russel, Romesh Weerawardena, Dulan Edirisinghe Dr. Mallawaarachchi and Chathura Rajapakse, who always set examples to the Chess players in our country. Even now, though we compete against each other in the national level tournaments, I still look up to them because there is so much to learn through their lives on and off the board.
What are your plans for the future?
My foremost ambition is to become a Chartered Accountant and I would also play Chess. I really look forward to teach the game to a developing school right after my A/Ls and explore the side of me as a coach. My next goal in my career is to play the World Chess Olympiad in 2014 and perform well in the tournament.
What advice will you give to someone who wants to be like you in chess?
Chess in Sri Lanka is developing very fast. So it is important that you work hard every day and stay in touch. My only advice is, first love the sport and feel the game. Then work hard to achieve goals you have in your career, because you can't expect them to come to you without working. Hard work is a must.
Source: http://www.nation.lk
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