Representatives from the Sri Lankan government, opposition and business sector have moved to inject new life into the country's beleaguered peace process.

They have agreed to show any mutually-acceptable political proposals for peace to the rebel Tamil Tigers, who are fighting for a separate state.

The meeting was organised by the business forum, a group of businessmen who have been trying to persuade the government and opposition United National Party to agree on a bipartisan approach to ending the conflict.

Upsurge in violence

The recent violent attacks carried out by suspected Tamil Tigers may have concentrated the minds of politicians on finding a solution to the 16-year-old war.

The Tamil Tigers, who have killed 20 policemen, an army officer and a moderate Tamil MP in the past fortnight, show no sign of giving up the fight.

But the business community believes the first step must be a bipartisan approach between the ruling People's Alliance and the opposition United National Party.

Autonomy proposals

The government's proposals for limited autonomy in the north and east to satisfy Tamil aspirations for more powers were to be discussed by parliament this month.

But the parliamentary affairs minister has said he believes the government should first talk to the Tigers about the devolution plan.

And the meeting between the head of the business forum, a government delegation led by the constitution affairs minister, G L Peiris, and an opposition delegation, agreed.

Mr Peiris said this would pressurise the Tigers to divert themselves towards finding a political solution and the opposition delegation leader, A C S Hameed, said any decision taken without consulting the Tigers would be academic.