Dr. Fernando graduated MB BS degree from University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, in 2000. After
graduation I served for ministry of health as medical officer in specialties of General Surgery,
General Medicine, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Radiology, OPD, ENT and Anaesthesia.
My carrier in mental health commenced in 2008 with Postgraduate diploma in Psychiatry
from PGIM, Colombo. I pioneered to develop mental health services in Rehabilitation
Hospital, Digana, Base Hospital, Teldeniya and District Hospital Udadumbara.
After qualifying MD – Psychiatry, I subspecialized in Forensic Psychiatry, completed post-
doctorate training at National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Sri Lanka and as registrar at
prestigious forensic mental health network-Forensicare, Melbourne, Australia.
Since My return, I have been serving as consultant in charge of Forensic Mental Health
Services at NIMH. Also, I provide Forensic Mental Health Services to National Hospital of Sri
Lanka, Prison Mental health services, Colombo and Institute of Legal Medicine and
Toxicology, Colombo. I have served as a member of national parole board for two years and
I am a member of board of consultants, NIMH.
Dr Fernando a founder member of Sri Lanka Health Research Initiative (SHRI), Sri Lanka
Medical Nutritionist Association (SLMNA) and served as elected member of executive
committee in Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA).
I have contributed first ever research studies in Evolution of forensic psychiatry reports,
Maternal filicides, Mental health problems in youthful offenders in Sri Lanka. I am an author
who validated Maslach Burnout inventory to measure the psychological burnout of prison
officers in Sri Lanka. My interests are in preventing criminogenic factors, corrections and
rehabilitation of offenders, Lifestyle medicine and mental well-being of offenders, victims,
carers, public and studying of organized crimes against Sri Lankans.
My consultancy extends to honourable judiciary, Ministry of justice, Departments of Prisons,
Social services and Probations.