Savin Gunaratne, a young Sri Lankan living in New Zealand, has been awarded the prestigious Member of the Order of St John, a royal honour recognising exceptional humanitarian and community service.
The award, included in the 2025 St John Honours List with the approval of King Charles III, was officially presented to him in Auckland on 4 July 2026.
The Order of St John, established in 1888, honours individuals who have made outstanding contributions through volunteerism, leadership, and public service.
After migrating to New Zealand in 2013, Savin joined the organisation as a cadet in 2014 and earned this distinguished recognition for his dedication, leadership, and years of voluntary service.
A graduate in Business Management from the University of Waikato, Savin is currently pursuing postgraduate studies in Project Management while also working as a cricket coach in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
The royal honour is regarded as a remarkable international achievement for a Sri Lankan and a proud moment for Sri Lankans around the world.
