A five-player squad from the SLAF Chess Team participated in the 9th Negombo International Chess Festival 2025, held from 3 to 8 September 2025 at Wasana Resort, Kandana. After completing nine rounds of chess against 328 participants, the Air Warriors secured the championship title in the Mercantile category.

The awards presentation was held today(8 September 2025) at the tournament venue, graced by the President of the Gampaha District Chess Association and Tournament Director, Dr. Dishal Ruwinga, Chief Arbiter Mr. Niroshan Chathuranga and Deputy Chief Arbiter Mr. Sanjaya Chandraratne. The tournament was organized by the SSC International Chess Academy.