Colombo, Nov 27: Sri Lankan authorities today began investigating the drowning of 10 soldiers in the worst single military loss since a ceasefire went into effect with Tamil Tiger rebels in February 2002. The troopers taking part in an advanced infantry training course drowned while crossing a muddy field in the northern peninsula of Jaffna yesterday. One more soldier was injured, the defence ministry said.

"This unfortunate incident struck while these troops under training were proceeding from Eluththumaduval to Nagarkovil area," a ministry statement said.
It said a special court of inquiry has been ordered in addition to a magisterial hearing.

Bureau Report