SickKids Doctor Charged in Child Exploitation Investigation
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Dilan Dissanayake faces charges after Toronto police seize electronic devices from the hospital and a private residence.
A physician at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children has been arrested and charged following an investigation into child sexual abuse and exploitation material, according to reporting from CBC Toronto and CityNews Toronto.
Toronto Police's Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit launched the investigation in January 2026 after an electronic device was allegedly used to download and access such material, CityNews Toronto reports. In February 2026, investigators executed search warrants at a private home and the Hospital for Sick Children, seizing several electronic devices, including a work computer, per CBC Toronto.
On Tuesday, July 21, police arrested Dilan Dissanayake, 44, of Toronto. The charges against him include possession of and access to child sexual abuse and exploitation material. While the investigation is ongoing, Toronto police stated in a news release that investigators have found no evidence that the material is connected to Dissanayake's medical practice, CBC Toronto reports.
In a statement, the Hospital for Sick Children said it is "deeply upset and dismayed" and condemns the behavior alleged by police. The hospital noted that Dissanayake was placed on immediate leave once the institution became aware of the investigation. Hospital officials stated they have not been notified of any risk to patients and families and emphasized that the safety of staff, families, and patients remains their highest priority, according to CityNews Toronto.
SickKids has advised families who received care from Dissanayake to contact its patient relations team with any concerns.