In a groundbreaking endeavor, a group of university students from Peradeniya University is gearing up for a monumental challenge: reaching the Island Peak of Mount Everest, towering at an impressive 6200 meters above sea level. This historic feat, organized by the Association of University Explorers, marks the 14th Mount Everest climb expedition.
Leading the expedition is J. Harsha Dharmapriya, a final year student from the Faculty of Engineering. Joining him are fellow students R.M.T.T.B. Samarakoon (Faculty of Science), H.M.C.S. Madavela (Faculty of Engineering), W.H.M. Dilshan (Faculty of Arts), M.A. Sanduni Kanchana (Faculty of Engineering), and M.M.H.R.B. Mannapperuma (Faculty of Agriculture).
The journey is slated to commence in the first week of the upcoming month, with the team embarking from Kathmandu in Nepal to Saleri, then proceeding to Namachi Bazar (3440m). From there, their ambitious plan includes reaching Everest Base Camp (5364m) via Gokyo Lake (4760m) by April 20th, with the ultimate goal of conquering Island Peak at 6200 meters without interruption.
Reaching such heights is an unprecedented achievement for Sri Lankan university students, with only a handful having ever accomplished such a feat. The route they intend to traverse, known as the Three Passes route, is renowned for its extreme difficulty and perilous conditions.
If successful, this expedition will etch a new chapter in Sri Lanka’s history, marking the first time a group of university students has collectively reached the formidable height of 6200 meters on Mount Everest.
The theme of this year’s Peradeniya University Himalayan Expedition Team is aptly named “Dream of Everest.” In preparation for the arduous journey ahead, the students have undergone rigorous training at the university’s physical education unit for approximately six months. Rashmika Akalank, President of the Explorers Association, highlighted the importance of physical conditioning to withstand the harsh climate and low oxygen levels at such high altitudes.
However, scaling Everest presents numerous challenges, including the need for substantial financial resources to procure essential supplies such as energy food, climbing gear, medication, and specialized equipment. Harsha Dharmapriya, the expedition’s leader, appealed for sponsorships to support the team in their quest.
Moreover, the expedition holds greater significance as a preliminary step toward the ambitious goal of hoisting the national and university flags of Sri Lanka atop Mount Everest, symbolizing the country’s triumph on the world’s highest peak.
