Thanks for the suggestions, but I quite meant aristocracy. Just before the elections, there was a special TV program (pre election campaign) about Why we should select the current ruling party, and there amidst the green paddy fields ad ancient home, the family lineage was just one of the things boasted about. They showed a picture of wealth and stability of their family, perhaps to portray, that they had nothing to grab.. A story of how their father controlled the area, and how he ruled with a heart was all the big picture that was portrayed, and the sinhalese, liked nothing better than what they saw.. so though you are correct as well, I too meant what I said.

I would not use the term aristocracy; it implies ancient lineage and courtesies that go with it.

Autocrat, oligarch, are better descriptions.