ABOUT US
Supem Fernando Association Pvt Ltd (SFA-Colombo) is a pioneering education and migration consultancy based in Sri Lanka, dedicated to supporting students and immigrants across the globe. Founded by Supem Thanthulage Fernando, an international legal expert and education innovator, SFA-Colombo has become a trusted resource for academic advancement, student visa processing, and global migration support. With over 20,000 successful cases in student recruitment and family migration, SFA-Colombo is recognized as a leading force in international education. Our mission is to serve students of all ages—from elementary school to university and beyond—by providing tailored solutions that align with their academic goals, financial realities, and long-term migration plans.
WHAT SETS US APART
Student-Centered Approach
We support students at every stage—whether applying to high school, transferring universities, or seeking postgraduate opportunities abroad. Our programs are designed to meet individual goals, timelines, and migration needs.
Global University Partnerships
SFA-Colombo represents over 700 institutions in 25+ countries, providing access to top universities in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Singapore, and beyond. We proudly hold recruitment records for Glyndwr University and Millennium City Academy (UK).
Visa Expertise
We are specialists in student visa processes, navigating the complex requirements around financial capacity, education gaps, age, justification of study paths, and visa officer expectations. Our high visa success rate speaks to our thorough, individualized approach.
Innovative Programs
From our signature ‘College Applications’ support system to our unique ‘Psychodiversity in Migration’ educational initiative, SFA-Colombo offers unmatched services that address both the academic and emotional needs of students and immigrants.
Beyond Admissions
We offer support in career guidance, accommodation, volunteer programs, scholarship matching, and compliance advisory (SSL, etc.)—ensuring students are not only accepted but also prepared and protected.
For Institutions, Governments & Partners
SFA-Colombo is a valuable recruitment and strategic partner to colleges, universities, and government bodies. We have worked closely with UK universities, including appointments as:
- Country Admission Manager for Millennium City Academy
- Sri Lanka Admission Representative for Glyndwr University
- Regional Director for South Asia for Bridgwater College
Our recruitment strategies have strengthened institutions financially and academically by bringing well-prepared, high-performing international students.
Immigrant Support: Life Beyond Migration
We understand that immigration is more than a process—it’s a life transition. SFA-Colombo provides practical support to help immigrants adjust to new cultural, social, and family dynamics. Our team includes professionals from diverse backgrounds who have lived and worked across Sri Lanka, the UK, the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, and Canada bringing real-world insights to help immigrants thrive.
We especially focus on the challenges immigrant families face, including parent-child cultural gaps, unfamiliar systems, and isolation. We offer counseling, community integration guidance, and problem-solving support rooted in empathy and expertise.
Our Story
Supem Fernando began his journey in immigration and education consultancy in 1991 after becoming a Solicitor of England and Wales. In 2005, he founded SFA, which evolved into SFA-Colombo in 2010 as a registered limited liability company. With a background in Human Rights, Habeas Corpus law, and student advocacy, Supem brought legal precision and compassion to the international education sector.
By 2010, SFA had become a household name in Sri Lanka, pioneering university promotions on national television and opening branches across three countries. In 2015, we celebrated our 10th anniversary with a milestone video and the expansion of our Umbrella Network of sub-agents.
A Global Education Ally
SFA-Colombo has collaborated with international education networks such as the British Council, Education New Zealand, Cambridge English, NAFSA, and at present it represents many global educational hubs, immigration firms, other education providers and other global institutions to ensure students receive comprehensive, up-to-date support from a single, trusted source.
Whether you're a student planning to study abroad, a family exploring migration, or a university seeking reliable international recruitment, SFA-Colombo is your trusted partner in turning global dreams into reality.
VISION
SFA-Colombo envisions a globally conscious society in which the collective responsibility to uplift and empower students and immigrants is embraced as a vital foundation for a more just and prosperous future
MISSION
SUPPA’S is a global, mission-driven organization committed to safeguarding and empowering students and immigrants of all ages. Through diverse, purpose-built initiatives, SUPPA’S serves as a vital bridge for families, a ladder for students, and a strategic ally for institutions—equipping individuals and communities to thrive academically, professionally, and socially in any environment.
CEO'S MESSAGE
Supem Thanthulage Fernando is the visionary Founder and CEO of SFA-Colombo, a global organization dedicated to uplifting students and immigrants through innovative programs, advocacy, and strategic partnerships. With over three decades of legal and academic leadership across continents, Supem brings unmatched experience, passion, and purpose to the mission of SFA-Colombo.
Supem personally conceptualized and designed the entire management and digital structure of SFA-Colombo—including its unique branding, known as “The Colors.” Prior to this, he founded SFA-Colombo in Sri Lanka over 20 years ago—an organization that continues to thrive, specializing in student recruitment and migration
After migrating to the United States, Supem earned his Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, where he also held multiple leadership roles including President of the SBA LLM Division and committee positions on admissions and tuition transparency (2018–2019) and currently in the process of admission to the American Bar.
His legal experience in the U.S. includes an immigration internship at Julia M. Toro Law Firm and a judicial internship at the Office of Administrative Hearings. He is also a Certified Mediator in the State of Maryland. Currently serving as the Immigration Consultant at Highflyers Legal Consult in Maryland, USA and also as the CEO & Founder of ‘SUPPAS EDU FIRST LLC’ in the USA since 2019; another student recruitment company registered in the state of Maryland. Internationally, Supem is a recognized Human Rights and Immigration Attorney, practicing since 1987 in Sri Lanka, and became a Solicitor of England and Wales in 1991. He holds an LL.M. from the University of London, and was a Registered Foreign Lawyer with the Law Society of England and Wales from 2007–2009. His legal expertise spans immigration, family, labor, property, civil, commercial, and employment law. He also served as Acting Magistrate and District Judge of Moratuwa Judicial District until his relocation to the U.S. in 2015.
Supem’s influence in international education is equally remarkable. He led SFA-Colombo to become a key recruitment partner for institutions like Millennium City Academy, Glyndwr University, and Bridgwater College, setting national records in student enrollments. He was appointed as Regional Director for Bridgwater College (UK), managing admissions and marketing across South Asia—a first for a Sri Lankan. A lifelong advocate for oratory and education, Supem has won numerous awards for public speaking, including the prestigious Gold Medal in “Address to the Jury Contest” at Sri Lanka Law College. He has served in various voluntary roles across legal, educational, community, and religious platforms. Outside his professional life, Supem is a man of diverse passions—holding a national bowling record (U’ 15) in Sri Lanka for over four decades, enjoying cricket, camping, cooking, dogs, indoor games, and stage drama. Today, through SFA-Colombo, Supem continues his lifelong mission: to serve as a bridge, a ladder, and a global force for good—for students, immigrants, families, and institutions around the world.
Supem Thanthulage Fernando
Founder, CEO
Senior Immigration & Education Attorney