The Wattala jogging track was demolished in order to replace it with a better one, a spokesman of Ministry of Megapolis and Western Development told a local media channel.

Meanwhile Minister John Amaratunga said that the Wattala canal area will be developed and a housing scheme will be coming up nearby. The UDA was asked to demolish the track, he added.

The jogging track was demolished on Saturday under police protection.

However, no prior warning was given to the people of Wattala on the planned demolition.