As a vocal artist Petronella began her singing career in Sri Lanka under the direction of late Kalasurya Lylie Godridge. She is a member of the United Nations International Choir.

Remarkable Solo performances which captured large audiences -

“Concert in the Orient” with the June 2003 United Nations Singers, New York

Christmas Around the World sponsored by the United Nations Singers, New York December 2003

Concert to commemorate the 58 th Anniversary of the Nuclear Attack on Nagasaki in Riverside Manhattan Church Auditorium, New York September 2004

A Day of Remembrance Communities Coming Together After the Tsunami Organized by the Asia Society, New York January 2005

Music and Arts Performance organized by the United Nations, to support Tsunami Victims, New York March 2005

International Dance Music Festival sponsored by Peterborough City Council, Peterborough, The United Kingdom June 2005

Musical Extravaganza - organized by June 2005 Qatar Airways, Manchester, United Kingdom

Celebration of the 60 th Anniversary of the November 2005 United Nations. New York

International Cultural Event to support Katrina Victims organized by United Nations, New York November 2005

First Commemoration Ceremony of Tsunami Sponsored by Sri Lanka Tourist Board Bentota, Sri Lanka December 2005 Song titled “Hope for Healing”


Extra curriculum

Petronella has represented Sri Lanka in Net-ball, Athletics and Basket-ball locally and internationally.

Vice-Captain Sri Lanka Basket-ball Team.


Civil status

She is married to Shantilal Fernando (also with the United Nations) - has two sons Sharontha and Rajiv.