Trailblazing Sri Lankan mountaineer Jayanthi Kuru-Utumpala sets sights on  Matterhorn summit in Switzerland

Mountaineer Jayanthi Kuru-Utumpala

By Tania de Silva

Distinguished mountaineer Jayanthi Kuru-Utumpala, amid the distant echoes of her triumphant Everest summit, readies herself for a new chapter, directing her gaze toward the venerable Matterhorn peak in Switzerland. 

An emblem of nature’s grandeur, this iconic peak, standing resolute at 4,478 metres (14,692 feet), stretches across the boundaries of Switzerland and Italy, embodying both, majesty and challenge that lie ahead. A symphony of rock and ice, Matterhorn offers a precarious ballet of elevation and descent, a siren’s call that beckons those who dare traverse its technical intricacies.

A seasoned explorer with an impressive track record spanning over two decades, Jayanthi’s journey has been a tapestry woven across Continents. Her footprints graced the Spanish Pyrenees, the Argentinean Andes, and the mighty Himalayas, among others. Beyond geographical boundaries, she has ascended pinnacles of her own through rigorous training, earning her stripes as a certified rock-climbing instructor and mountaineer. While personal accomplishments could have defined her path, Jayanthi’s compass is guided by a higher purpose - to elevate women and girls, to breathe life into their dreams and dispel societal shadows.

The Matterhorn presents a challenge for both body and spirit. Jayanthi, poised to embark on this alpine odyssey on 28 August, 2023, envisions more than conquering a summit; she seeks to illuminate a path of inspiration. “I aspire to master greater challenges, to dance with intricacies that tap into my array of climbing skills - rock, ice, and mountaineering,” she said, as a spark that ignites her journey’s narrative.

Jayanthi Kuru-Utumpala with Sponsors

At the heart of Jayanthi’s voyage is #ClimbLikeAGirl, a rallying cry that crystallises the essence of her mission. It unveils a battlefield where stereotypes shatter and strength blossoms in authenticity. In a world where “like a girl” has been wielded as a weapon, Jayanthi reclaims it as a badge of honour, beckoning all to embrace their innate power.

In this pursuit, Jayanthi is enveloped by a chorus of supporters - sponsors, partners, and well-wishers, united in their belief in her vision. Platinum Sponsor South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT) and Silver Sponsor Würth Lanka stand tall among them. Jayanthi’s journey has unfurled a tapestry of honours and accolades, an embodiment of her dedication to a cause larger than herself. She embodies gender equality, both in her mountaineering endeavours and in her relentless advocacy.

The Matterhorn’s allure transcends its geographical bounds, reaching into Jayanthi’s spirit. Its snow-cloaked peaks and rugged contours encapsulate adventure’s very essence, whispered in the wind and carved in the rock. As Jayanthi ascends, she draws strength from nature’s embrace, fusing it with her indomitable spirit. A symbiosis of energy transpires - nature’s gift fueling her return to her gender equality projects, igniting her advocacy for change.

As Jayanthi embarks on this remarkable ascent, she carries not only her dreams but the dreams of those who find solace in her journey. She is a symphony of courage, a resolute instrument against the backdrop of challenges. With the Matterhorn’s summit as her canvas, she paints an image of triumph over adversity, inviting all to embrace trials as stepping stones for transformation. In her echo, we find inspiration to surmount our own summits, to march toward uncharted horizons, to, indeed, climb like ourselves.