Jayanthi Kuru-Utumpala, the first Sri Lankan to climb Mt. Everest.
At just before 5:00am on the 21st May, 2016, Jayanthi Kuru-Utumpala summited the world’s highest mountain – Mt Everest (29,029ft). Johann Peries who was also attempting to summit that day made it to an outstanding elevation of 27,559ft. This makes Jayanthi and Johann the two Sri Lankans who have achieved the highest altitudes in mountaineering, and they did so as a team.
“As a woman I am extremely proud and honored to be the first Sri Lankan to reach the summit – woman and girls can do anything if they are given the opportunity”
“It was a dream come true to finally be able to stand on top of the world and wave the Sri Lankan flag,” said Jayanthi. Johann added “To dream an impossible dream is comforting, but to live the dream is an achievement. Faith and trust in God made it a reality. This sums up my whole experience.”
The duo have worked towards this goal for many years. They have summited many peaks together, both in Sri Lanka and abroad, and trained intensively in the lead up to their departure to give themselves every chance of success. The left for Nepal in late March and spent close to 2 months climbing and acclimatizing to the altitude. International Mountain Guides was the company that they chose to partner with on this successful expedition.
Jayanthi and Johann wish to thank their families, friends, and fellow Sri Lankans for the overwhelming amount of support and positive wishes that have been sent their way over the course of the expedition.
Jayanthi will be speaking at Lanka Comic Con on Saturday, August 20th, at 4pm (don't be late).
Jayanthi Kuru-Utumpala and Johann Peries