The main party in Sri Lanka's ruling coalition has said it is planning to push forward legislation to allow opposition members of parliament to cross to the government side.

This forms part of plans by the government to try to muster a majority in parliament to enable it to bring in its devolution package aimed at ending the country's civil war.

MPs are not allowed to change parties at present and risk losing their parliamentary seat for switching loyalties.

Support for Tigers

President Chandrika Kumaratunga, who was re-elected in December, has pledged to change the constitution to devolve more power to the regions.

She believes this will erode support for the rebel Tamil Tigers, who have been fighting for a separate homeland for the minority Tamil community in the north and east.

However, her People's Alliance does not have the necessary two-thirds majority in parliament to change the constitution in this way and has been trying to win over MPs from the main opposition United National Party.

Early elections?

Four members of the opposition have pledged their support for the government and say there are several more who would be willing to change sides if it was made legal.

However if the law is not changed, the dissident MPs could lose their seats in parliament.

The crossover bill requires a two-thirds majority in parliament to pass and if it does so, the government will be expected to push through its changes to the constitution which include devolution and the abolition of the executive presidency.

If the bill does not succeed, the government says it will call early general elections, although it had also been suggested that a referendum on extending the life of the present parliament could be presented.