Johann Peries nears mountaineering glory with final Seven Summits climb

Presenting the national flag to Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe 

Mountaineer, businessman and stylist Johann Peries

Apostolic Diocese of Ceylon Bishop Rev. Dr. Kirby de Lanerolle

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe

Seven Summits Expedition Manager Sajeda Akbarally

Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams CEO and General Manager Sanjiv Hulugalle

By Tania de Silva

Johann Peries last week stood before a room full of friends, supporters, and press at Cinnamon Life, City of Dreams, and shared a dream he’s spent years chasing. With six of the world’s highest peaks already behind him, he’s now setting out to climb the final one, Mount Denali in North America. If he succeeds, he won’t only complete the legendary Seven Summits Challenge as he’ll make history as the first Sri Lankan to ever do it.

The Seven Summits Challenge involves climbing the highest mountain on each of the seven continents. So far, Johann has scaled Mount Everest (Asia), Mount Elbrus (Europe), Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa), Mount Kosciuszko (Australia), Mount Vinson (Antarctica), and Mount Aconcagua (South America).

Johann attempted Denali in 2023 but was forced to turn back due to dangerous weather on summit day. With more focus and strength, he now returns to conquer the last summit in his journey, a journey that began with his historic Everest climb in 2018, when he became the second Sri Lankan ever to reach the top of the world.

To date, fewer than 350 climbers globally have completed the Seven Summits. If Johann succeeds, he will become the first Sri Lankan to join this elite group, placing Sri Lanka firmly on the world mountaineering map.

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe attended the event and personally handed Johann the national flag for his expedition. Sharing a light moment from their past, he joked:

 “These days Johann and I both climb – he climbs mountains, I climb political hills. But no matter what, you’ll do your best to represent Sri Lanka. I know it,” said Wickremesinghe.

Johann said “Every time I stand on a summit, I realise I am not standing there alone, I am taking a nation with me. That’s how I truly feel.”

He explained how his journey was never just about adventure but about national identity, and inspiration:

“This is a moment of national pride. Carrying the Sri Lankan flag to the highest points of every continent is my way of showing the world who we are, resilient, strong, and full of spirit.”

To prepare for the extreme cold and altitude of Denali, Johann even trained in the Atlantic, one of the coldest environments on Earth, emphasising that Sri Lankans are not naturally used to such harsh conditions.

“Just because we’re not born into cold or high places doesn’t mean we can’t rise to the challenge,” he said. “You have to find a way.”

The adventure was also supported by a host of proud sponsors: AUK, Link Natural, Anlene, Mastercard, W15, Qatar Airways, and Cinnamon Life, each contributing to this remarkable expedition.

Cinnamon Life General Manager Sanjiv Hulugalle, paid tribute to Johann’s journey and spirit:

“Johann is more than a mountaineer. He’s an advocate for humanity. I remember him singing and dancing when we were younger, and now, he’s setting the bar even higher, on mountain peaks. We’re proud of him, and all of Sri Lanka should be too.”

Also speaking at the event, a neuropathologist and spiritual leader, Kirby de Lanerolle, added:

“It’s beautiful how Johann recognises something greater than himself. He carries not only the dreams of a nation, but the humility to serve something beyond achievement. His sacrifice and courage speak to all of us.”

This final climb is not only about reaching the top of a mountain. For Johann, it’s become something much deeper. It’s about carrying the hopes of a country that’s often overlooked, proving that someone from a small island can stand on the world’s highest ground.