Gateway College crowned U-20 All-Island Scrabble champions
View(s):Organised by the Scrabble League of Sri Lanka (SLSL), the finals brought together the country’s top-performing schools for an intense display of word power and strategic skill. S. Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia emerged runners-up, followed by Richmond College, Southlands College and Ladies’ College, who secured the third, fourth, and fifth positions respectively.
Despite finishing third at the Western Province qualifiers, the Gateway U-20 team, led by Tharun Priyadharshan, rose to the challenge at the national finals, displaying remarkable focus, resilience, and teamwork to triumph in several tightly contested matches.
Gateway Under-12 scrabble team made promise at national level
Tharun, along with Adheesha Dissanayake, Imad Irshad, Inam Irshad, Dulain Wanigasekara, and Shanilka Rodrigo, demonstrated exceptional consistency and composure throughout the tournament. This victory marks a defining chapter in Gateway’s scrabble journey, reflecting the dedication, skill, and steady growth of its young players.
Gateway’s Under-12 team also shone with strong performances and promising potential. Extending beyond their U-20 team’s success, the Gateway Under-12 team, comprising Bodhi Hettiarachchi, Dimitri Mahabage, Kenuka Samarathunga, Gaius Jayasinghe, Abinu Muthukumarana, and Seshee Alagiyawanna, delivered a spirited performance at the All-Island finals, finishing sixth overall.
Earlier, at the Western Province Qualifiers held at S. Thomas’ College Indoor Complex in Mount Lavinia, the team made history by remaining undefeated and finishing so far ahead in points that they were not required to play the final round, a rare achievement in the competition’s history. Their success at both provincial and national levels highlights their immense promise and potential for future success.
The Gateway Under-20 scrabble team emerged All-Island champions with an impressive record
Gateway players also made their mark in individual competitions this year. Inam Irshad was named Scrabbler of the Year 2025 by the Scrabble League of Sri Lanka after winning all three legs of the annual event with a total of 24 points, showcasing his strategic brilliance and consistency.
At the Western Qualifier of Grandmaster School Scrabble Tournament, Dimitri Mahabage was placed fourth in the U-12 category, while Mohamed Imad Irshad secured third place in the U-20 category — both demonstrating commendable individual performances. Meanwhile, Adheesha Dissanayake represented Sri Lanka at the Autocar Bangkok Open 2025, an international open tournament attracting top players from across Asia. Competing independently, he finished 19th overall, gaining valuable international experience and exposure to elite-level competition.
The 2025 season marks as a defining year for Gateway College’s scrabble programme. Under the expert guidance of Coach Raashid and the dedicated support of Engsi Mahajudeen, the Teacher-in-Charge, Gateway firmly established themselves as a rising powerhouse in school scrabble.
With a blend of talent, teamwork, and mentorship, Gateway continues to build a strong legacy of excellence, inspiring the next generation of wordsmiths to excel both nationally and internationally.