December 10th, 2024 – Johann Peries, the first Sri Lankan man to summit Mount Everest and a leading mountaineer, is on a historic mission to conquer the “Seven Summits” – the highest peaks on each of the seven continents. Having successfully completed four of the seven peaks, Johann will tackle the final three in a series of back-to-back expeditions scheduled for the first half of 2025.
In 2018, Johann Peries made history as the second Sri Lankan to summit Mount Everest, a monumental achievement that solidified his place in the country’s mountaineering legacy. His extraordinary journey continued as he completed the summits of Mount Elbrus in Europe, Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, and Mount Kosciuszko in Australia. Now, Johann is determined to complete the final three climbs – Mount Vinson (Antarctica), Mount Aconcagua (South America), and Mount Denali (North America) – making him the first Sri Lankan and one of the few islanders in the world to achieve this incredible feat.
No Sri Lankan has ever completed the Seven Summits challenge, and only 350 people worldwide have done so. Johann’s pursuit of this unparalleled achievement will take the Sri Lankan flag to the highest point on each continent, representing the nation on the global stage and inspiring future generations of Sri Lankans to dream big and aim high.
This challenge is more than just a personal goal for Johann; it is a national milestone. His efforts represent the courage, resilience, and spirit of the Sri Lankan people. As the first Sri Lankan to take on the Seven Summits, Johann’s success will elevate Sri Lanka’s profile in the global mountaineering community and inspire countless individuals to take up the sport of climbing, which is rapidly growing in popularity across the island.
“This journey is not only about reaching the top of the world’s highest peaks; it is about showcasing the strength and spirit of Sri Lanka,” said Johann Peries. “I want to encourage every Sri Lankan to believe in themselves, to embrace challenges, and to pursue their dreams, no matter how high they may seem.”
The costs of such an ambitious expedition are significant, but Johann’s mission has received critical support. A generous platinum sponsor, a Dutch philanthropist who wishes to remain anonymous, has pledged their financial backing to help make this historic achievement a reality.
Johann’s mountaineering journey has not been without its challenges. In 2016, he attempted to summit Mount Everest with fellow Sri Lankan climber Jayanthi Kuru Uthumpala. While Jayanthi succeeded, Johann faced technical difficulties and had to turn back just 400 meters from the summit. Two years later, Johann returned to Everest, overcoming those challenges and successfully summited in 2018.
Johann’s journey has also seen him face extreme conditions on some of the world’s most dangerous mountains, including Mount Kilimanjaro (2014), Mount Aconcagua (2019), Mount Elbrus (2023), and Mount Denali (2023). In these expeditions, he has faced bad weather, tough terrain, and life-threatening situations. On Mount Denali, he was forced to turn back on the final day due to severe weather conditions. In February 2025, Johann will attempt Aconcagua again, and he plans to return to Denali in May 2025, undeterred by the setbacks he has faced.
Johann’s remarkable accomplishments are more than just a series of personal milestones. His efforts are helping to elevate Sri Lanka’s presence in the global mountaineering community and encouraging a new generation of climbers to pursue the sport. Mountaineering is a challenging and expensive sport, requiring discipline, intense physical and mental endurance, and substantial training. Johann has personally faced numerous life-threatening situations, witnessing the dangers of the sport firsthand. However, his resilience and determination to push forward have been unwavering.
“Mountaineering is not for the faint-hearted. It requires immense focus, training, and the ability to endure physical and mental hardship,” Johann reflected. “But the rewards are immense. I want to inspire all Sri Lankans to take on their own challenges, whether on the mountain or in life.”