Other key discussions were centered on the future development of the Tamil national question in the post-war period. It is manifested again by the Sinhala capitalist ruling class and their inability to put forward any political solution to the national question, even after the defeat of the LTTE.

The USP has always supported the struggle of the Tamil-speaking people against their oppression and stood firmly for their right to self-determination. But we saw the LTTE as partially responsible for its own defeat, in terms of adopting some wrong policies and not basing themselves amongst the suppressed Tamil people or collaborating with the working class struggles in the South of the country against capitalism.

In the present situation, Marxists have a daunting task, to appeal to the Tamil workers, poor peasants and youth, to join with the suppressed masses and the working class in the South of the country, to win their national aspirations and demands.

The USP is the only force in the country that has a principled stand demanding the acceptance of the right to self-determination for the Tamil-speaking people. Based on that, we have to build a combined struggle in the North, East and South to overthrow capitalism.

We also had a discussion focused on the forthcoming presidential and general elections in the country. The congress unanimously endorsed putting forward a working class programme as an alternative to the neo-liberal policies and communal forces.

We are proud of the comrades who, in the face of very difficult circumstances, attended this crucial congress – particularly the delegates who came from Jaffna, from the tea plantation area and from the East. We had visitors from India and Kashmir, in spite of the difficulties of travel and security. All of us appreciated the warm and optimistic greeting on behalf of the Committee for a Workers' International by Peter Taaffe shown on film to the Congress. We appreciate the huge support given to the USP from CWI members around the world, and especially the Tamil Solidarity Campaign.