The United States, Japan [Images], the European Union and Norway began a two-day conference to discuss new strategies to encourage negotiations between the Sri Lankan government and Tamil Tiger rebels.

The conference, a follow-on to the last meeting on September 12 of the international monitors of the fragile Lankan peace process, will look 'to see what we can do to help' the process, State Department spokesman Tom Casey said.

"We think it's important for the people of Sri Lanka [Images] that (the) peace process does move forward and ultimately leads to a resolution of a long-standing situation in the country," he said.

A ceasefire reached between the Sri Lankan government and LTTE has been threatened by recent violence in the island nation.

The US is represented at the conference by Under Secretary of State Nicholas Burns and Assistant Secretary for South Asia Richard Boucher.