A doctor affiliated with Toronto's esteemed Hospital for Sick Children, Dr. Dilan Dissanayake, is currently facing serious allegations following an investigation into internet child exploitation conducted by the Toronto Police. The Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit initiated the inquiry in January 2026 after detecting suspicious activity involving an electronic device allegedly used to access and download various forms of child sexual abuse and exploitation materials.
As part of the investigation, officers from the ICE unit executed search warrants in February 2026 at both the Hospital for Sick Children and Dr. Dissanayake's private residence. During these searches, multiple electronic devices, including a work computer, were seized to gather further evidence related to the case.
On July 21, 2026, Dr. Dissanayake, 44, was arrested in connection to these allegations. The police confirmed his affiliation with the hospital while emphasizing that, at this time, "investigators have found no evidence that the child sexual abuse and exploitation material is connected to his practice as a physician." This statement seeks to reassure the public regarding the safety and integrity of the hospital's medical practices amid the ongoing investigation.
Dr. Dissanayake faces charges that include the possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material and unauthorized access to such materials. As the investigation continues, the authorities have stated that they are committed to thoroughly examining all aspects of the case to ensure justice is served.
In response to the charges against Dr. Dissanayake, SickKids Hospital released a formal statement expressing their profound distress and condemnation of the alleged behavior. The statement reflects the hospital's commitment to maintaining safety and integrity within its institution and acknowledges the concerns raised by the public.
"We understand that this news is concerning and the safety and well-being of our patients, families, and staff remain our highest priority," the hospital stated. Furthermore, SickKids has communicated that it has not received any notifications regarding risks to patients and families, citing the Toronto Police Service's confirmation that there is no evidence linking the charges to Dr. Dissanayake's medical practice.
Upon becoming aware of the investigation, Dr. Dissanayake was immediately placed on leave, as is standard protocol in situations involving legal allegations. The hospital reassures its patients and their families that they can reach out with any concerns or inquiries by emailing patient.relations@sickkids.ca.
The situation has understandably stirred significant concern within the community, particularly among the families who rely on the hospital for pediatric care. SickKids has reiterated its dedication to ensuring the safety of its patients, emphasizing that their well-being remains paramount during this troubling period. As the investigation remains ongoing, the institution is focused on providing transparent communication to the public while allowing the legal process to unfold. This case highlights the critical importance of vigilance and accountability within the healthcare system, especially when it comes to safeguarding vulnerable populations.
