Holy Cross College, Kalutara was handed over to the Archdiocese of Colombo by the Marist Brothers on 04th January 2010. His Grace Archbishop Malcolm Ranjith appointed Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Emmanuel Fernando as the New Rector of the Holy Cross College with the effect from 04th January 2010. Also appointed Rev. Fr. Manoranjan De Silva as a member of the academic staff of the College.

Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Emmanuel Fidelis Fernando, from the Parish of Kotahena, was ordained on 06th January 1973 by His Holiness Pope Paul VI at St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican and thereafter he served in the Parishes of Hanwella, Kotahena, Thillanduwa and Moratuwa, also served as the Dean of Bolawalana Deanery, Director of Archdiocesan Research Centre and as a member of the Academic Staff of the National Seminary.

He was appointed as the Rector of the National Seminary, Ampitiya by the Catholic Bishops' Conference and on 18th Dec. 2004 he was appointed as the Episcopal Vicar for the Catechetics and Family Apostolate. He was also appointed as a Member of the Administrative Council in Dec 2004, a Member of the College of Consultors, a Member of Priests Personnel Board and a Member of the Council of Priests.

On 22nd May 2006 His Grace Archbishop Oswald Gomis appointed him as the Episcopal Vicar for the Southern Region of the Archdiocese.

Fr. Emmanuel having done B.Th in Rome, continued his higher studies doing Licentiate in Sacred Theology (STL) in the University of Urbania and received his Doctorate (STD.Rome) in Sacred Theology. in the Catholic Unversity of America, Washinton DC.