In the April 2010 general elections, the USP is contesting for nine (out of the 22) districts in Sri Lanka. These districts are Colombo, Jaffna, Trincomalee, Nuwara Eliya, Kegalle, Galle, Matara, Ratnapura, and Hambantota. The USP Nomination papers for Kalutara District were rejected due to a technical reason.

Mahinda Rajapakse has called for two thirds of majority in the election. It is very clear that he will strengthen his dictatorial policies if he were to get this majority. The ruling party has already begun suppressing opposition forces including arresting Sarath Fonseka, 'Lanka' newspaper editor Sirimalwatta, and abducting 'Lanka news' journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda.

Political victimization has already begun in many government institutions including Lake House, Petroleum Corporation, Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation, Colombo Harbour, Electricity Board, and Central Transport Board. Similar to the presidential elections, open violation of election laws and using public properties for the election campaign has been started by the government.

The main opposition party, Capitalist UNP or the coalition led by JVP together with Sarath Fonseka are not prepared to take the masses to streets against unlawful actions of the government and the ruling party.

Under the circumstances, the USP decided to contest in the April general elections against all capitalist and communal forces to promote a true working class alternative and to defend the right of self determination of Tamil speaking people in the north and east of Sri Lanka.