Post 1983 Society
A wide range of communities claim Vellala ancestry today. Many of them unrelated to the earlier migrants. But they rely on the early history and migration to create an aura of aristocracy. But what is obviously still visible is the traditional and conservative nature of the religion, Saivite Hinduism, practiced among Jaffna Tamils. They follow a conservative brand of Saiva Siddhanta which follow Agamic and Sanksritic features. In this they are similar to Saiva Vellalars of India who also consider themselves the custodians of Saiva Adheenams and Saivite culture.
Vellala political and ritual dominance has been severely restricted due to the effects of the post-1983 Sri Lankan civil war and domination of the main rebel group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam by members of the Karaiyar caste. LTTE's policies of anti-castism and empowerment of formerly low castes as part of the political struggle between the majority Sinhalese-dominated Sri Lankan government and itself has enabled members belonging to all castes and walks of life to effectively challenge their dominance.
Read more about this topic: Vellalar Of Sri Lanka
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