Sri Lankan-born specialist Dr. Udayangani Samarakody receives a place in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours list released in New Zealand. Authorities include her among 178 selected individuals who gain national recognition for outstanding public service.
She earns the New Zealand Order of Merit for her exceptional contribution to children’s healthcare and for her dedicated service to the Sri Lankan community in New Zealand. Officials highlight her long-term commitment to improving medical outcomes and strengthening specialised surgical care in the country.
Three Decades of Service at Waikato Hospital.
Dr. Samarakody works for more than 30 years at Waikato Hospital as a consultant paediatric surgeon. She also specialises in paediatric urology and treats complex kidney and urinary tract conditions in children.
She leads improvements in surgical procedures and supports hospital teams in delivering advanced paediatric care. She also mentors junior doctors and helps build stronger clinical expertise within the hospital system. Her colleagues recognise her consistency, discipline, and strong focus on child health outcomes.
National Praise and Community Impact.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon praises this year’s honourees and states that their work strengthens the country and improves public wellbeing. He highlights their role in making New Zealand safer, stronger, and more inclusive.
Dr. Samarakody’s recognition reflects decades of service in medicine and community development. Her achievements also inspire the Sri Lankan diaspora and showcase the global contribution of Sri Lankan medical professionals in advanced healthcare systems worldwide.
