In the world of professional scuba diving, there is a summit that few ever reach. It requires a lifetime of dedication, thousands of dives, and an unwavering commitment to teaching. In 2026, the Sri Lankan diving community has reason to celebrate a historic milestone: Sashaa Fernando has officially become the first Sri Lankan to achieve the rank of PADI Course Director.

This achievement marks a new era for Sri Lanka Diving Tours and the nation’s maritime career path, proving that the island’s passion for the deep sea has truly reached new heights.

 A Legacy Born in the Deep

For Sashaa, the ocean wasn’t just a workplace; it was an inheritance. The son of veteran divers Felician (Feli) and Renu Fernando, Sashaa’s journey began almost before he could walk. His father, Feli—a legendary figure in Sri Lankan diving and founder of Sri Lanka Diving Tours—introduced Sashaa to the water as an infant.

By the age of eight, Sashaa had completed the “Bubble Maker” program. At ten, he was already a Junior Open Water Diver. Growing up, he watched his father explore the “star shipwreck” of Sri Lanka, the HMS Hermes, and developed a fascination for the mysteries of the seabed that would eventually lead him to the highest professional rating in recreational scuba diving.

The Road to Course Director

The path to becoming a PADI Course Director is one of the most grueling in the industry. It is a rank held by less than 1% of the global diving community.

To qualify, Sashaa traveled to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, to undergo a rigorous seven-day program conducted by PADI. The selection process is incredibly elite; Feli proudly notes that only 40 applicants are selected out of approximately 400 worldwide each year. By passing this stage, Sashaa has transitioned from being an expert diver to being an “instructor of instructors.”

 Why This Matters for Sri Lanka

Previously, Sri Lankan divers looking to reach the highest levels of professional certification had to rely on foreign PADI Course Directors or travel abroad. Sashaa’s achievement changes the landscape entirely:

• Local Expertise: Sri Lanka now has its own homegrown Course Director to mentor the next generation of local dive professionals.

• A Family of Pros: The Fernando family is now a powerhouse of diving expertise, with Feli as a Tec Trimix Instructor and Sashaa’s sister, Vishara, serving as a PADI IDC Staff Instructor.

• Global Recognition: This achievement puts Sri Lanka firmly on the map as a hub for professional dive training, not just a tourist destination.

 A Pledge to the Future

Despite reaching the pinnacle of his career, Sashaa’s mission is far from over. He has pledged to help more and more Sri Lankan divers achieve their dreams in the “magical realms of Poseidon.”

Whether it is exploring the “cemetery of bullet-proof luxury cars” (the sunken sedans used by former heads of state) or navigating the vibrant reefs of Trincomalee and Nilaveli, the future of Sri Lankan diving is now in the most capable hands in the country.

Congratulations to Sashaa Fernando on this historic achievement! The entire team at Sri Lanka Diving Tours is proud to lead the way into this new chapter of underwater exploration.