Young Sri Lankan New Zealander Savin Gunaratne Receives International Order of St John Honour Original photograph: ශ්‍රී LankaNZ. A young Sri Lankan New Zealander has received a rare international honour after being admitted as a Member of the Order of St John. Savin Gunaratne, who moved to New Zealand with his parents in 2013, was formally recognised for his sustained service with Hato Hone St John. His admission to the Order was officially published in The London Gazette in 2025, while the insignia was presented at a special ceremony in Auckland on 4 July 2026. The achievement was reported by Eranga Kaviratne of Hamilton for ශ්‍රී LankaNZ on 6 October 2026. It has been welcomed as a significant moment of pride for Sri Lankans in New Zealand and an inspiring example of youth leadership through community service. A rare international recognition The Order of St John is an international organisation ...