RUZAIK FAROOK
COLOMBO — The Embassy of Nepal in Colombo organized the celebration of International Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) Day 2026 at the Eagle Hall of Waters Edge Hotel, Colombo on Friday May 29, bringing together distinguished guests, members of the diplomatic community, tourism stakeholders, mountaineering enthusiasts, media representatives, and friends of Nepal, Sri Lanka and Maldives.
The event was organized to commemorate the historic first successful ascent of Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa on 29 May 1953. The celebration also aimed to promote Nepal’s rich mountain heritage, adventure tourism, environmental conservation, and the longstanding friendship and cultural relations between Nepal and Sri Lanka.
The program was graced by Aruna Jayasekera, Deputy Minister of Defence of Sri Lanka, as the Chief Guest and Hanif Yusoof, Governor of the Former Western Province, as the Guest of Honour.
The ceremony commenced with the welcoming of the dignitaries through a Puja Dance performance, followed by the lighting of the oil lamp and the playing of the national anthems of Sri Lanka and Nepal.
Delivering the welcome remarks, Chargé d’Affaires Vijay Kumar Raut highlighted the significance of Sagarmatha as not only the world’s highest peak but also as a symbol of courage, determination, resilience, and harmony between humanity and nature. He also underscored the importance of preserving the Himalayan ecosystem and promoting sustainable mountain tourism.
A special video message from Shisir Khanal, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal, was played during the program. In his message, the Foreign Minister emphasized the global significance of Sagarmatha and acknowledged the contribution of climbers, Sherpas, and mountain communities in preserving Nepal’s mountaineering heritage.
The event featured a keynote presentation by mountaineer Dimantha Thenuwara, who shared his experiences and reflections on mountaineering and adventure exploration. A destination promotional video presented by the Nepal Tourism Board showcased Nepal’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and tourism potential, particularly in the field of trekking and mountain tourism.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Hon. Aruna Jayasekera appreciated Nepal’s contribution to global mountaineering and tourism and highlighted the close and friendly relations between Nepal and Sri Lanka. He commended the Embassy of Nepal for organizing an event that promoted cultural understanding, adventure tourism, and people-to-people connections between the two countries.
The celebration also included vibrant cultural performances reflecting the rich traditions and heritage of Nepal. A panel discussion session was moderated by Dimantha Thenuwara, with the participation of Ms. Jayathi Kuru-Utumpala, First Sri Lankan to summit the mount Everest, Col. Nalin Herath RSP and Ms. Hubika Joshi and experts who discussed topics related to mountaineering, tourism, environmental sustainability, and adventure travel.
During the program, Prashant Kumar Raut delivered a presentation on Sagarmatha (Mount Everest), highlighting its historical, geographical, and cultural significance. Ms. Jayanthi Kuru-Utumpala, renowned Sri Lankan mountaineer and the first Sri Lankan to summit Mount Everest, shared valuable insights and practical guidance on trekking and mountaineering, inspiring participants with her experiences and achievements.
One of the highlights of the event was a live interaction with the Sherpa Community from Kathmandu, which provided the audience with a unique and engaging connection to the Himalayan region.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by First Secretary Sagar Bhandari, followed by lunch and networking among participants.
The successful celebration of International Sagarmatha Day 2026 further strengthened Nepal-Sri Lanka friendship and contributed to promoting Nepal as a premier destination for tourism, mountaineering, adventure sports, and cultural exchange.
