Saveen Gunarathne bestowed to the most venerable order of St John
By Clifford Lazarus
There are many examples of people from all over the world who dedicate themselves to kindness and compassion and Hamilton, New Zealand, can be proud of young Saveen Gunarathne, who has been bestowed upon a promotion to the most venerable order of St John.
On the recommendation of the New Zealand Priory Chapter, Chancellor of the Order of St John, John Whitehead CNZM KStJ, has advised Saveen that His Majesty King Charles III, Sovereign Head of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem has, in recognition of Saveen’s services for Hato Hone St John in Aoteraroa New Zealand, sanctioned Saveen’s admission in the Order of St John at the grade of Member.
Membership of the Order to individuals is granted to those who have carried out their work with dedication and in line with the mission and values of Hato Hone St John.
“It is an honour to be admitted into the order of St John. As a cadet, growing up through the Youth programme, you interact with some amazing leaders who gained admission into the Order of St John for their hard work and dedication. To now stand here and reflect on all my achievements, it truly is a wonderful occasion for my family and I” enthuses Saveen.
Saveen joined St John in 2014 as a Cadet and achieved the ranks of Cadet Corporal, Cadet Sergeant and Cadet Leader (highest non-commissioned officer). He then went on to receive his grand prior award in 2019 and became Regional Cadet of The Year in 2020. On reaching the age of eighteen, Saveen worked part-time as a first-aid tutor while reading for his Degree in Business before graduating with a double major in Finance and Strategic Management at the University of Waikato.
A ‘man of many talents’ Saveen volunteered as an event medic and progressed into volunteering on frontline ambulance. He then went on to work as Clinical Facilitator for a leadership course delivered throughout New Zealand.
After completing his Degree in 2022, Saveen was offered permanent employment with St John as a Regional Coordinator – Youth, Events & Admin while also holding positions of volunteer Divisional Manager and Regional Drill and Ceremonies Officer.
Saveen, a former student of Ananda College arrived in New Zealand in 2013 with his parents, Dinesh and Priyanka.
In cricket, one of Saveen’s favourite sports, he has represented Star University Cricket Club’s premier team and recently toured the United Kingdom as the overseas player for Fernhurst Cricket Club in West Sussex. He also holds a New Zealand Cricket Coaching qualification.
Saveen is an outstanding youth leader and inspires many other young people to follow in his footsteps and considers it important to give something back to the community, which he does through cricket and coaching.
“I hope my story will inspire all of our amazing young people. With hard work, dedication and perseverance, you can achieve some amazing things in life. You will face challenges, but it’s your determination, steadfastness and resolve that prevails in the end” concludes Saveen.
Congratulations Saveen, you are an inspiration. Keep doing what you are doing!
