Johann Peries becomes first Sri Lankan to swarm up seven summits

By Tania de Silva

Johann Peries, Sri Lanka’s trailblazing mountaineer, has made history by becoming the first Sri Lankan to complete the ‘Seven Summits Challenge’, scaling the highest mountain on each of the seven continents. Over the course of a decade, Johann planted Sri Lanka’s flag in places where no Sri Lankan had stood before, driven by an unshakable will to represent his nation at the highest altitudes on Earth.

“This is not just my journey,” Johann said. “This belongs to everyone who dared to believe a Sri Lankan could stand on every summit.”

Ten years. Seven continents. One legacy.

Johann’s journey began in 2014, with Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m) in Africa. In 2016, he made his first attempt at the world’s tallest peak, Mount Everest (8,849m), but had to turn back. Two years later, in 2018, he returned and successfully stood atop Everest, becoming a household name across Sri Lanka.

He continued on to Mount Kosciuszko (2,228m) in Australia in 2019, followed by Mount Elbrus (5,642m) in Europe in 2023. In 2025, he braved the icy vastness of Mount Vinson (4,892m) in Antarctica and faced violent storms on Aconcagua (6,961m) in South America, reaching within 200 meters of the summit.

His final and most formidable climb was Denali (6,190m), North America’s highest peak and one of the most dangerous in the world. Facing sub-zero temperatures, high winds, and avalanche threats, Johann reached High Camp at 5,243m, just 400m from the top.

“I was so close, but I had to make the hardest decision, to turn back,” he said. “That decision saved my life. I’m standing here today because I knew when to step back. The mountain will always be there, but you must know when not to challenge nature.”

This act of wisdom, not weakness, defines Johann’s strength, not just as a mountaineer, but as a leader and national inspiration.

Humbled by nature, driven by respect

What Johann brought back from the summits was more than photographs and flags. It was a philosophy.

“Before and after the hike, there’s a difference,” he reflected. “I’ve learned to respect nature deeply. You can’t go against it. It humbles you, and just being aware of that is a gift.”

As an adventurer, he prepared by hiking with 50kg backpacks, conditioning his body for high-altitude hardship. But it was his mental strength, his patience, respect for the mountains, and clarity of purpose, that made the difference.

Manager Sajeda Akbarally, of the 7th Summit Expenditure, spoke of his resilience with pride:

“We joked that this may not be the end of his climbs but even if it is or not, it was a pleasure to witness him achieve so much. I saw him take on the shift from tropical terrain to ice-covered peaks. He’s a true mountain person. A real adventurer.”

A mentor to a new generation

Johann is now committed to encouraging the next generation of Sri Lankan youth to explore their own limits through mountaineering and adventure.

“There are incredible unexplored places right here in our region. The Piko Trail, for example, is among the best. By the way, if someone wants to try the Seven Summits, you need to plan, research, get licenses, and train for months. It’s not easy, but it’s deeply rewarding.”

He emphasised how hiking instils discipline, focus, and respect, qualities he believes young Sri Lankans need now more than ever.

Homecoming of a hero

In the early hours of 8 July, Johann returned home to a sea of waving flags, cheers, and heartfelt embraces. At 3 a.m., he stepped onto Sri Lankan soil to find family, friends, fans, and sponsors waiting proudly. Among them was Kumarini Rajakaruna, family member, who said:

“It’s just nice to have Johann back, for a little while, more than having him for a few weeks like before.”

Backed by belief

AUK Protection, Anlene, Link Samahan, Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams, Qatar Airways, Mastercard, W15, WOW Media Productions, and Wowlife Church all played a vital role in enabling Sri Lanka’s historic rise in global mountaineering.

This journey is not just Johann’s. It is Sri Lanka’s story of possibility, and perseverance. A man who carried his country’s flag across continents has shown what belief, preparation, and purpose can achieve.

“This summit isn’t the end,” Johann said. “It’s the beginning of something bigger, for our youth, for our adventurers, and for how we see ourselves as a nation capable of anything.”

And so, with seven continents behind him and a world of impact ahead, Johann Peries stands tall, not just on mountains, but in the hearts of nations.