Sri Lankan groups such as Los Cabelleros led by Neville Fernando (first ever Sinhala pop group), Las Bambas, The Humming Birds, Los Muchachos, and The Moonstones (whose members included Annesley Malewana and Clarence Wijewardane) practiced this music, which melded Caribbean rhythms to traditional Sri Lankan baila music.
The Moonstones were managed by the advertising man Sri Sangabo Corea and were mentored by the legendary Radio Ceylon broadcaster Vernon Corea and his cousin Vijaya Corea.
Wijewardena formed the Moonstones at the age of 21 with Annesley Malewana as lead vocalist.