Sri Lankan (Commonwealth Union)_ Johann Peries has made history by becoming the first Sri Lankan to reach the summit of Mount Vinson, Antarctica’s tallest peak, standing at 4,892 meters above sea level. This remarkable achievement places him among a select group of mountaineers worldwide who have conquered this extreme mountain. Peries is no stranger to mountaineering feats. In 2018, he became the second Sri Lankan to summit Mount Everest, a defining moment that solidified his legacy within the nation’s mountaineering history. His global ascent continued with climbs on Mount Elbrus in Europe, Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, and Mount Kosciuszko in Australia, further showcasing his extraordinary abilities and determination.
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Despite these accomplishments, no Sri Lankan has yet completed the renowned ‘Seven Summits’ challenge, a series of the highest mountains on each continent. Only 350 people worldwide have achieved this feat. Peries, who has climbed some of the world’s most daunting peaks, is well on his way to completing this prestigious challenge. His perseverance and drive to conquer some of the world’s most difficult terrains continue to inspire. However, Peries’ journey has not been without obstacles. In 2016, he attempted to summit Mount Everest alongside fellow climber Jayanthi Kuru Uthumpala. Peries faced unexpected technical challenges and had to turn back just 400 meters from the summit, while Uthumpala succeeded. Undeterred, Peries returned to Everest in 2018, overcoming the difficulties from his previous attempt and triumphantly reaching the summit.
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Peries’ mountaineering career has taken him to some of the world’s most perilous mountains, including Mount Kilimanjaro in 2014, Mount Aconcagua in 2019, and Mount Denali in 2023. His experiences on these peaks have tested him in extreme weather conditions, challenging terrains, and life-threatening situations. On his Denali expedition, Peries was forced to turn back on the final day due to dangerous weather conditions, yet he remains resolute in his determination to return. In February 2025, he will once again attempt to summit Aconcagua, with plans to tackle Denali once more in May 2025.
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Apart from mountaineering, Johann Peries is a professional hair designer and a passionate artist, often drawing inspiration from the natural world. His creative talents, combined with his love for adventure, have shaped his unique approach to both his work and his personal life. In addition to his artistic acclaim in Sri Lanka’s lifestyle and beauty sectors, Peries has gained international recognition for his mountaineering exploits, making him a hero in his home country and a symbol of Sri Lanka’s growing presence on the global stage.
His father, who regularly took him on explorations of Sri Lanka’s Knuckles Mountain Range, nurtured Peries’ passion for adventure at a young age. This early exposure to the wonders of the natural world inspired Peries to pursue mountaineering. His first international expedition, to the Thai-Burmese border in 2005, marked the beginning of what would become an extensive global climbing journey. Over the years, Peries has scaled various notable peaks, including Everest Base Camp in 2010, Island Peak in 2012, and Mount Kilimanjaro in 2014, establishing himself as one of Sri Lanka’s premier mountaineers.
Peries’ achievements transcend personal milestones. They are a testament to his unwavering dedication and a source of pride for Sri Lanka. His relentless pursuit of the world’s highest summits serves to raise the country’s profile in the global mountaineering community, while also inspiring a new generation of climbers to push their limits. Mountaineering, a sport known for its extreme physical and mental demands, requires not only rigorous training but also immense courage and resilience. Peries’ journey has seen him face life-threatening conditions, but his determination to press forward remains resolute.
“Mountaineering is not for the faint-hearted,” Peries stated. “It requires immense focus, discipline, and the ability to endure physical and mental hardship. But the rewards are immeasurable. My goal is to inspire all Sri Lankans to embrace challenges, whether on the mountain or in life.” Johann Peries continues to inspire those who dare to dream, proving that with perseverance and dedication, even the most formidable peaks can be conquered. His accomplishments serve as an enduring source of pride for Sri Lanka, and his legacy will undoubtedly encourage future climbers to take on their own daring challenges
