Fernando received his early education at St Anne's College in Kurunegala, where his father was the Municipal Commissioner.
[2] In a match against the team from St Anne's College, he dismissed the opposition for 50, taking all 10 wickets for 24, including a hat-trick, then scored a double-century in 157 minutes, all in one day's play.
The feat of taking all 10 wickets and scoring a double-century in the same match is believed to be unique in world cricket.
[1] He made his first-class debut for a Ceylon Board President's XI when they defeated a Pakistan team in 1964–65.
[1] Fernando migrated to Australia in 1984[1] and played several seasons of club cricket for Jacana in Melbourne.