ශ්‍රී ලාංකික විශේෂඥ වෛද්‍ය උදයංගනීට නවසීලන්තයේ ඉහළම රාජකීය පදවියක්

Dr. Udayangani Samarakkody, a prominent Sri Lankan specialist doctor residing in New Zealand, has qualified to receive the country's highest royal honor. Her name has been included in the King's Birthday Honours List for 2026, which was officially announced recently.

She has succeeded in bringing a Sri Lankan name to this year's honors list, being among the 178 exceptional individuals selected for their unparalleled service in improving the lives of New Zealanders.

In recognition of her invaluable service to the field of pediatric surgery and her dedication to the welfare of the Sri Lankan community in New Zealand, she is set to receive the 'Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit' (MNZM), a prestigious and high royal honor. By being honored on the same platform alongside many world-renowned individuals, she has brought great renown to the entirety of Sri Lanka.

Arrangements have been made to hold this official royal investiture ceremony grandly at Government House in New Zealand later this year. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has stated that the unparalleled service, dedication, and contributions of these honorees have significantly helped make New Zealand a stronger, safer, and better country.

Dr. Udayangani Samarakkody has been serving as a pediatric surgeon and pediatric urologist at Waikato Hospital in New Zealand for nearly 30 years. Throughout her professional career, she has also trained over 50 surgeons both nationally and internationally. Furthermore, she spearheaded the establishment of the Sri Lankan Medical and Dental Association of New Zealand in 2021 and currently serves as its co-president.