Dr. Dylan Dissanayake, a Sri Lankan doctor at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children, has been arrested on child sexual abuse material charges.
Dr. Dylan Dissanayake, a 44-year-old Sri Lankan-born physician employed at Toronto’s renowned Hospital for Sick Children, has been arrested in Canada after Toronto Police charged him with allegedly viewing, downloading and possessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material online.
The arrest took place on 21 July following an investigation conducted by the Toronto Police Service’s Internet Child Exploitation Unit. Authorities confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing and that the allegations against the doctor have yet to be tested in court.
Police Investigation Began Earlier This Year
According to Toronto Police, the investigation into Dr. Dylan Dissanayake began in January 2026.
Investigators later obtained a court-authorized search warrant, which they executed in February 2026. Officers searched both the hospital where the doctor worked and his private residence.
During the searches, police seized several electronic devices, including a computer that investigators believe may have been used to access and obtain illegal online material.
Following the investigation, authorities arrested the 44-year-old physician and charged him with possessing and accessing child sexual abuse material. He is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Superior Court to answer the charges.
Police stressed that the investigation remains active and that the charges have not yet been proven before the courts.
No Evidence Linking Allegations to Medical Practice
Toronto Police said investigators have not found any evidence connecting the allegations against Dr. Dylan Dissanayake to his professional medical duties or to the care he provided while employed at the Hospital for Sick Children.
Authorities also confirmed that, based on the investigation conducted so far, there is no indication that the alleged offences involved patients or activities carried out through his medical practice.
The police nevertheless encouraged anyone with relevant information to contact investigators as inquiries continue.
Hospital Suspends Doctor Immediately
The Hospital for Sick Children, commonly known as SickKids, issued a statement after learning of the investigation.
Hospital officials said they were deeply shocked and saddened by the allegations and confirmed that Dr. Dylan Dissanayake was immediately suspended once they became aware of the police investigation.
The hospital also stated that it has received no information suggesting any risk to patients or their families arising from the allegations.
In addition, SickKids has established an email contact for anyone who may have concerns or information relating to the matter.
Hospital officials reiterated that they are cooperating with law enforcement authorities while the investigation proceeds.
As the legal process continues, Toronto Police have emphasised that the case remains before the courts and that Dr. Dylan Dissanayake is entitled to the presumption of innocence until the allegations are determined through judicial proceedings.
