Himalayan Expedition 2007

Langtang Lirung, August 2007

The 1st Kandy Dharmaraja Scout Group has become one of the most prestigious and prominent Scout Groups of the world, with many accolades and records in World Scout History.

They won the King's flag for the Best Scout Group of the world for a record three consecutive years – 1917, 1918 and 1919, and are carrying that legacy, still holding its place as the largest scout group of the world, and the oldest active scout group in Sri Lanka.

These Scouts have had the rare honour of being the first Sri Lankan Scout Group to conduct an expedition into the Himalayas and are looking forward for more challenging tasks. "We plan to leave Sri Lanka on August 15," said Mithra Mayadunne. "We hope to start the climb by about August 20. The climb up Lantang Lirung Glacier, which is 7,248m in height, is expected to take about 25 days."

The centenary of the World Scout movement, in 2007, is a very special event for all Scouts and Girl Guides worldwide and there are many events being organized to commemorate this event. As the main event, the World Scout Bureau would be organizing the 21st World Jamboree in England.

To commemorate 100 years of Scouting, the World's Scouts are coming together for the 'Sun Rise' program. The Dharmaraja college scout group is planning to celebrate this prestigious moment on top of the Langtang Glazier.

Twelve Presidents' Scouts of the Dharmaraja College Scout Group, along with six Scout Leaders and Assistant Scout Leaders would be joining this expedition, and it would be the first time after 14 years that the senior scouts from the Dharmaraja College Scout Group conduct an expedition to the Himalayas. They would also become the first Sri Lankan scout group to ascend the Langtang Lirung peak, which is a part of the Langtang National park.