The introduction of democracy in the early 20th century transferred political power to the above affiliated Senanayake, Wijewardene, Corea, Kotelawala, Jayewardene and Dias Bandaranaike families in the West and Southern parts of the country and to interconnected Vellala families in the north of Sri Lanka.
Tuluva Vellalar is a community of Vellalars who had immigrated from Tulunad, a part of the modern district of South Canara, as warriors of King Veera Ballala III.
Literary, archeological sources trace the origin of the Vellalars to a group of royal house chieftains called Vel or Velir.
In this they are similar to Saiva Vellalars of India who also consider themselves the custodians of Saiva Adheenams and Saivite culture.