Like many Sri Lankan cricketers right-arm medium fast bowler Charitha Buddika Fernando rose up through the Sri Lankan school structure. Unfortunately, he missed out on a chance to play in the Under 19 World Cup in January 2000, being eight days too old. The 21-year-old plays domestic cricket for his hometown Panadura Sports Club.
He is a member of the BCCSL Fast Bowling Academy and has also visited the MRF Academy in Chennai. Surprisingly small, he is a skiddy fast bowler, with the ability to move the ball in the air and off the pitch at a fair pace.
In May 2000 he played against Zimbabwe A and against Pakistan A in June 2001. His selection for the Sri Lankan squad for Sharjah in October 2001 was a surprise, but he immediately impressed, performing well under pressure. Since then he has played in a handful of Test matches taking some key wickets. He is also a talented batsman, who plays in the middle order for Panadura. Indeed, he scored 45 against West Indies in his debut innings in Test cricket.
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