Sri Lanka
My Parents and Grandparents were all born and raised
in Sri Lanka they all really enjoyed growing up there.
My older sister was also born there but left when she
was 3. I have been to Sri Lanka twice and it's really
beautiful it has lots of wildlife and places to explore.
This picture was taken in Sri Lanka at a family friends
house.
New Zealand
My parents came to New Zealand in 2003 to start a better life.
Moving to NZ changed their life as life in Sri Lanka was very
different.My younger siblings and I were born in NZ along with
our cousins we have all really enjoyed living here as New Zealand
is a very beautiful place with amazing scenery and many opportunities.
My parents are very happy that they decided to move here.
About The Fernandos
Suresh Fernando (Dad)
Suresh Fernando grew up in Colombo Ja-Ela with his Parents, Older sister and Younger brother in a Suburban area. My Dad grew up playing cricket. His relationship with his family was always Great. His relationship with his Grandparents especially the ones on his mum’s were really good. He also had a strong bond with his parents he said that there are no words to describe how great his parents are. He was especially close to his Dad. He said his Dad was like his best friend and that he misses him a lot. One of his fondest memories from childhood was cutting down a Christmas tree for his family when he was younger. Growing up his family was catholic and He still is to this day. His faith helped him become a better person and helps keep a connection to his family back home. On February 17th 2003 my Dad came with my Mum and older Sister to New Zealand on a plane. He had decided to come after his older sister (My Auntie) went to NZ. He thought it would be a better place to raise kids and have a safer, better life. He now has hobbies like playing cricket, watching soccer and tennis and has a strong passion for making things. He keeps his connection to home Strong. He helped make 4 houses for some people in Sri Lanka. For him, life is very different when he was in Sri Lanka before he had my Sister he could do anything and go anywhere. Once he had my sister my parents decided NZ would be a better place to live and now He has more kids to think about and to teach them right and give them a better life but he is happy that he moved.
This is a photo of my Dad (in the back) when he was younger.
With his younger brother (my Uncle, in the middle) and Dad (My
Grandpa, in the front). Riding on a motorcycle.
This is a photo of my Dad, Mum and older sister
in their house in Sri Lanka.
This is a photo of my first Birthday in New Zealand.
Chamila Fernando (Mum)
Chamila Fernando grew up in Colombo Ja-Ela. She lived with her Mum, Dad and older brother in a suburban area in a small hosue. My Mum was always close with her whole family. She said her Grandparents used to take her and my uncle to school in the mornings. One of her earliest memories was going down into a well and saving an animal and getting splashed by a car on a rainy day on her way to school with her Grandpa. Growing up she did lots of cooking and dancing and later worked as a bridal dresser. In 2003 on February 17th she came to NZ with my Dad and older sister on a plane. She didn’t have any ancestors here she came after her sister-in-law (my Auntie) had come. Some of the hobbies my Mum has is, baking and making flower bouquets. Being Catholic, my Mum says her faith lead her on a good path and helped her. She says that life is totally different now used to be relaxed had more fun but its more responsibility because she now has four kids to look after. Leaving Sri Lanka was very hard for her because she had to leave her parents and other relatives but she said moving to New Zealand was a very good choice.
This is a photo in Sri Lanka of my
Great-grandma and Mum when she
was younger.
This is a photo of my Parents and
Older sister on the Davenport Ferry.
This is a photo of my Mum and Older
Sister on their trip at Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka.
Dharshanie Fernando (Grandma)
Dharshanie Fernando grew up in Sri Lanka, Kurunegala. In a small house. She lived with her parent’s and younger brothers and sister. My Grandma had a good relationship with her Parents and Grandparents, she says that they helped build her into a better person. Growing up she was very athletic and participated in many sports. She remembers that when she was younger, before she went to school in the mornings she would always help her parents cook. In September 2003, she came to New Zealand with her youngest Son and Husband. She decided to move after 2 of her children had come (my Dad and Auntie). Leaving Sri Lanka was difficult because she had to say good-bye to a lot of relatives and coming to NZ wasn’t easy she had to adapt to a new culture and improve her English. She now has hobbies such as knitting, volunteering and cooking. My Grandma has her faith in Christianity. She says her Christianity helped her make better decisions and do good things. Life for her was very different growing up she enjoyed living in both Sri Lanka and New Zealand she is glad that she is in New Zealand with both of her sons and 7 of her Grandchildren.
This is a photo of my Grandma when
she was younger.
This is a photo of my Older sisters Birthday in Sri Lanka.
This is a photo of my Grandma & Grandpa
with my Older Sister on their trip at Nuwara
Eliya, Sri Lanka.