“Every Mountain Has Its Own Story”

Johann Peries Comes Home After Conquering His Inner Summits

- IFHAM NIZAM

In the quiet early hours of July 8th, the arrivals terminal of the Bandaranaike International Airport was filled with something far greater than applause or fanfare—it was filled with emotion. Flags fluttered, voices called out, and arms opened wide in a heartfelt welcome. Sri Lanka’s own Johann Peries—the first Sri Lankan to climb all Seven Summits—had returned home. But for Johann, it wasn’t about glory or recognition.

Speaking to The Sunday, he said: “So actually getting back to Sri Lanka, going back home was the most important thing for me,” he said, voice steady but heartfelt. “After being away for one month and under those conditions, being alone... getting back to your own home country was really emotional for me, especially after taking on a task like this.”

The achievement is extraordinary by any measure. Climbing the highest peaks on each of the seven continents—Everest in Asia, Aconcagua in South America, Denali in North America, Kilimanjaro in Africa, Elbrus in Europe, Mount Vinson in Antarctica, and Carstensz Pyramid in Oceania—is a feat attempted by few and completed by even fewer. Johann Peries joins that elite club, carrying with him the hopes and pride of an entire nation.

“This originally started with me taking it on as a personal journey,” he explained. “But later on I realised that I was carrying the national flag with me, and that meant a lot of pride. Taking my flag with me to the highest point of each continent—it gave me great honour. Every time I took the flag out on top there, it was very emotional for me. I kept saying that I'm not doing this just for me, but for the nation and its people.”

More Than Just Mountains

For Johann, climbing has never been about ego or records. He doesn’t speak in clichés, and he avoids the word “conquer” entirely.