The Embassy of Nepal in Colombo successfully organized the celebration of International Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) Day 2026 at the Eagle Hall of Waters Edge Hotel, Colombo, bringing together more than 120 distinguished guests, including members of the diplomatic community, tourism stakeholders, mountaineering enthusiasts, media representatives, and friends of Nepal from Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
The event was held to commemorate the historic first successful ascent of Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa on 29 May 1953, a milestone that continues to inspire generations of climbers and adventure seekers worldwide. Beyond commemoration, the celebration also aimed to promote Nepal’s rich Himalayan heritage, adventure tourism, environmental conservation, and the long-standing friendship and cultural ties between Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Chief Guest and Distinguished Dignitaries Grace the Ceremony
The program was graced by Hon. Aruna Jayasekera, Deputy Minister of Defence of Sri Lanka, as the Chief Guest, and Hon. Hanif Yusoof, Governor of the Western Province, as the Guest of Honour. Their presence highlighted the importance of Nepal–Sri Lanka relations and the shared appreciation for cultural exchange and tourism cooperation.
The ceremony began with a traditional welcome of dignitaries through a vibrant Puja Dance performance, symbolizing Nepal’s rich cultural heritage. This was followed by the ceremonial lighting of the oil lamp and the playing of the national anthems of Sri Lanka and Nepal, marking the formal inauguration of the event in a spirit of mutual respect and friendship.
Nepal Highlights Sagarmatha as Symbol of Unity and Resilience
Delivering the welcome remarks, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Mr. Vijay Kumar Raut emphasized the profound significance of Sagarmatha, not only as the world’s highest peak but also as a global symbol of courage, determination, resilience, and harmony between humanity and nature.
He highlighted that Mount Sagarmatha represents Nepal’s identity on the world stage and stressed the importance of preserving the fragile Himalayan ecosystem through sustainable practices and responsible tourism. Mr. Raut further underlined that Nepal remains committed to promoting environmentally conscious mountain tourism while safeguarding the natural heritage that supports both local livelihoods and global ecological balance.
Foreign Minister’s Message Underscores Global Importance of Everest
A special video message from Hon. Shisir Khanal, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal, was presented during the event. In his message, the Foreign Minister highlighted the global significance of Sagarmatha and its role in promoting Nepal’s identity internationally.
He also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of climbers, Sherpas, and mountain communities in preserving Nepal’s mountaineering legacy and ensuring safe and successful expeditions in the Himalayas. The message further reinforced Nepal’s commitment to international cooperation in climate action and mountain conservation, given the increasing environmental challenges facing high-altitude regions.
Mountaineering Experiences and Tourism Promotion Take Center Stage
The program featured a keynote presentation by mountaineer Mr. Dimantha Thenuwara, who shared personal experiences and insights from his journey in adventure exploration and mountaineering. His reflections provided participants with a deeper understanding of the physical and emotional demands of high-altitude climbing.
A special promotional video presented by the Nepal Tourism Board showcased Nepal’s breathtaking natural landscapes, cultural diversity, and vast tourism potential, particularly in trekking and mountain adventure tourism. The presentation emphasized Nepal’s position as one of the world’s premier destinations for adventure and nature-based travel.
Sri Lanka Appreciates Nepal’s Contribution to Global Tourism
Addressing the gathering as Chief Guest, Hon. Aruna Jayasekera appreciated Nepal’s significant contribution to global mountaineering and tourism. He highlighted the strong and friendly relations between Nepal and Sri Lanka, rooted in shared cultural values, Buddhist heritage, and mutual respect.
He commended the Embassy of Nepal for organizing a meaningful event that fostered cultural understanding, strengthened tourism cooperation, and enhanced people-to-people connections between the two nations. The Guest of Honour, Hon. Hanif Yusoof, also acknowledged the importance of such events in deepening bilateral ties and promoting tourism-driven collaboration between Sri Lanka and Nepal.
Cultural Performances and Expert Panel Discussion Enrich the Program
The celebration was further enlivened by vibrant cultural performances showcasing Nepal’s diverse traditions, folk dances, and artistic heritage. These performances offered guests a colorful glimpse into Nepal’s rich cultural identity. A panel discussion session moderated by Mr. Dimantha Thenuwara brought together prominent speakers, including Ms. Jayathi Kuru-Utumpala, the first Sri Lankan woman to summit Mount Everest, Col. Nalin Herath RSP, and Ms. Hubika Joshi, along with other experts.
The discussion covered key topics such as mountaineering experiences, tourism development, environmental sustainability, and the growing appeal of adventure travel. The speakers emphasized the importance of responsible tourism and international cooperation in protecting mountain ecosystems.
Sagarmatha Storytelling and Sherpa Community Interaction Highlight Program
During the event, Mr. Prashant Kumar Raut delivered an informative presentation on Sagarmatha, highlighting its historical, geographical, and cultural significance as the world’s highest peak and Nepal’s national pride. A particularly inspiring segment featured Ms. Jayanthi Kuru-Utumpala, renowned Sri Lankan mountaineer and the first Sri Lankan to summit Mount Sagarmatha. She shared practical guidance, motivational insights, and personal experiences from her Everest journey, encouraging participants to pursue adventure responsibly and with determination.
One of the most engaging highlights of the program was a live interaction session with the Sherpa community from Kathmandu, which provided attendees with a unique and meaningful connection to the Himalayan region and its indigenous mountain guides, whose expertise remains vital to Sagarmatha expeditions.
Program Concludes with Networking and Friendship Building
The formal proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by First Secretary Mr. Sagar Bhandari, who expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, guests, speakers, and participants for their presence and contribution to the success of the event. The program concluded with a lunch and networking session, allowing guests to interact, exchange ideas, and strengthen professional and cultural relationships in a cordial atmosphere.
Strengthening Nepal–Sri Lanka Relations Through Shared Himalayan Heritage
The successful celebration of International Sagarmatha Day 2026 in Colombo further reinforced the deep-rooted friendship between Nepal and Sri Lanka. It also contributed significantly to promoting Nepal as a leading global destination for tourism, mountaineering, adventure sports, and cultural exchange. The event stood as a powerful reminder of the shared values of resilience, exploration, and environmental stewardship symbolized by Mount Everest, while strengthening bilateral ties through cultural diplomacy and mutual understanding.
