[1] One of the earliest pillars in Sri Lankan film history, he is best known for playing villains during his more than four decade long career.
[2] Fernando was born on 9 June 1933 in Collin Jadiya, Wennappuwa as the eldest of the family.
His grandson, Chris Wijewardana, is also an actor who appeared in the television serials Pani Kurullo, Amaliya and the film Apata Sadunu Ape Lokaya.
In the film Angulimala, which was directed by his father, Shammi played the main role as "Ahinsaka".
Then he acted in few films such as Raja Kello, Cheriyo Darling, Alu Yata Gini and Ane Master.
He continued to receive many villain roles in the following years, including Sithaka Mahima, Ohoma Hondada, Satha Panaha, Sahanaya and Kawuda Raja.
[10] In many films, Baptist acted as the villain opposite to Gamini Fonseka who played the protagonist role.
The film Eka diga Kathawak was dubbed in Tamil as Oru Thalei Kadal and screened in Jaffna as well.
Overall he produced 7 films - Sahanaya, Duppathage Hithawatha, Tikira, Eka diga Kathawak, Sudu Ayya, Namal Renu and Angulimala.