Johann Peries Becomes First Sri Lankan to Summit Antarctica's Highest Peak

Peries’ journey in mountaineering has been marked by resilience and determination. His ascent of Mount Everest in 2018, where he became the second Sri Lankan to reach the summit, was a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s mountaineering history. Since then, he has conquered other major peaks, including Mount Elbrus in Europe, Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, and Mount Kosciuszko in Australia.

However, Peries’ path to success has not been without its challenges. In 2016, he attempted to summit Mount Everest alongside fellow Sri Lankan climber Jayanthi Kuru Uthumpala. While Uthumpala succeeded, Peries was forced to turn back just 400 meters from the summit due to technical difficulties. His determination saw him return two years later, successfully reaching the summit in 2018.

Throughout his career, Peries has faced some of the world’s most dangerous mountains. His climbs include Mount Kilimanjaro in 2014, Mount Aconcagua in 2019, and Mount Denali in 2023. Although his Denali expedition was thwarted by severe weather conditions, Peries remains undeterred and plans to reattempt both Aconcagua in February 2025 and Denali in May 2025.

Peries is on track to complete the prestigious ‘Seven Summits’ challenge, which involves climbing the highest peak on each of the seven continents. Globally, only about 350 climbers have accomplished this feat, and no Sri Lankan has yet achieved it. His ongoing pursuit of this challenge underscores his ambition and drive to push the boundaries of mountaineering.

Reflecting on his accomplishments, Peries shared, “Mountaineering is not for the faint-hearted. It requires immense focus, training, and the ability to endure physical and mental hardship. 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.”

Johann Peries’ historic summits continue to inspire Sri Lankans and mountaineers worldwide, proving that with dedication, perseverance, and a resolute spirit, even the tallest peaks can be conquered.