Police has said the incident in which SAITM CEO Dr. Sameera Senaratne was shot at and escaped unhurt, was staged.

One suspect was arrested from Embilipitiya and Police also questioned a former STF officer already in remand custody. 

Police said preliminary investigations revealed that the shooting was staged to show the SAITM CEO’s life was in danger.

Police is currently looking for a former local government member - believed to be a close friend of Dr. Senaratne - and the driver of government institution believed to be involved in the set-up. 

Police said the former pradeshiya saba member and the driver of government institution are on the run.

On February 6, Dr. Sameera Senaratne, the Chief Executive Officer of the South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM) was reportedly shot at by two unidentified gunmen.

The doctor said he had escaped unhurt as he had ducked under the wheel of his car.

The attack was thought to be related student protests against SAITM.

Local university students have been protesting the validity of medical degrees awarded by SAITM.