Let us back Johann Peries to be the second Sri Lankan to scale the summit of the Mount Everest which he attempts to make in April 2018, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said yesterday.
Premier Wickremesinghe said that Peries made a wise decision to return during his first attempt due to the technical fault and he is here today to make the second attempt while Jayanthi Kuru-Uthumpala made it to the top in April 2016. He added that Johann is firm with his decision to summit the Mt Everest and let us all back him to take up the challenge.
“I have been the first sponsor for one of the steps and I put the pin at the very top,” the Premier said. “You can fill it from the bottom up to that and then he will have all the support and the sponsorship he needs to get there.”
“ I call on every one in Sri Lanka to help him with this second attempt to reach the summit of Mt Everest.”
He made these observations yesterday at the Blue Hall of the Hilton Colombo at the launch of the ‘Climb with Johann’ campaign launched to support Johann Peries for his second attempt to summit Mt Everest. The premier also launched the website http://ift.tt/2mGcfmL
Johann dedicates this expedition to all Sri Lankans and everyone will get an opportunity to be part of the climb by sponsoring each step of the challenging climb. Every Sri Lankan Can sponsor each step that john takes on the mountain for Rs 100 and be a part of this exhilarating climb. The total cost of the Everest Expedition amounts to USD 58600. However during his first attempt Johann manages to reach a height of 8,400m a mere 448 short of reaching the summit before technical difficulties forced him to descend.
Johann Peries said that people kept on asking him as to why he was going back. “There are lots of sentiments that have come my way and its something very personal,” Johann said. “I think people who are fascinated about doing things always want to achieve their goal and finish what they started. And that is what is for me as well.”
He added that he had a fabulous partner with him last time and that would be the lack this time by his side. “I have the strength to do this,” Johann said. “I ask everybody to join me in this climb with me. I will take you to the top of the world.”
Johann Peries and Jayantha Kuru-Uthumpala also spoke. Prof. Maithri Wickramasinghe and former MP Rosy Senanayake were present.