Toronto Police arrested SickKids doctor Dilan Dissanayake, 44, and charged him with possessing and accessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material following an Internet Child Exploitation Unit investigation. The staff rheumatologist at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) was scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice. The allegations have not been tested in court.

Toronto Police said the investigation began in January 2026 after officers received information about the alleged use of an electronic device to access and download child sexual abuse and exploitation material. Investigators later executed search warrants at SickKids and a private residence in February, seizing multiple electronic devices, including a work computer. The investigation remains ongoing.

Toronto Police said investigators have found no evidence that the alleged child sexual abuse and exploitation material is connected to Dr. Dilan Dissanayake's practice as a physician. The police service has also not identified any evidence linking the charges to patient care.

Investigators executed search warrants at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and a private residence in February 2026, seizing multiple electronic devices, including a work computer. Toronto Police have not released further details about the evidence, and the investigation remains ongoing.

In a statement published on its website, the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) said it was "deeply upset and dismayed" by the allegations and condemned the behavior described by Toronto Police. The hospital added, "We understand that this news is concerning and the safety and well-being of our patients, families and staff remain our highest priority."

SickKids said Dr. Dilan Dissanayake was placed on immediate leave after it became aware of the investigation. The hospital also said Toronto Police had found no evidence linking the charges to his medical practice and that it had not been notified of any risk to patients or their families. Families who received care from Dr. Dissanayake can contact the hospital's patient relations team with any concerns.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario suspended Dr. Dissanayake's certificate of registration effective July 21. According to the regulator, Ontario law allows an interim suspension without notice when a physician is likely to "expose patients to harm or injury, and urgent intervention is needed."

Also see: UF Health Doctor Chintan Shah Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges in Florida

Toronto Police said the investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against Dr. Dilan Dissanayake have not been tested in court. Investigators have also stated that they have found no evidence linking the alleged child sexual abuse and exploitation material to his work as a physician or to patient care.

SickKids placed Dr. Dissanayake on immediate leave, and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario suspended his certificate of registration on an interim basis pending further proceedings.

References:

1. The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). “Statement on Criminal Charges Against SickKids Staff Member.” Published July 21, 2026. Accessed July 23, 2026. https://www.sickkids.ca/en/news/archive/2026/statement-on-criminal-charges-against-sickkids-staff-member/.

2. College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. “Doctor Search: Dilan Dissanayake, Certificate of Registration.” Accessed July 23, 2026. https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/.

3. Toronto Police Service. “Internet Child Exploitation Investigation—Arrest and Charges.” Toronto Police Service News Releases. Published July 21, 2026. Accessed July 23, 2026. https://www.tps.ca/media-centre/news-releases/.

(Rh/TP/MSM)