SickKids Doctor Dilan Dissanayake’s Licence Suspended After Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
Updated: 3:23 PM – July 22, 2026
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario has suspended the medical licence of a Toronto SickKids doctor charged with accessing and possessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material.
The college’s public register says Dilan Dissanayake, 44, is no longer permitted to practise medicine after an interim suspension order was issued Tuesday, July 21.
The register also lists conditions attached to Dissanayake’s release on bail. They include a prohibition against being alone with anyone under the age of 18, except his own children.
The allegations against Dissanayake have not been proven in court.
Ontario Medical Regulator Issues Interim Suspension
A spokesperson for the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario said its Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee has authority to suspend a doctor’s licence on an interim basis without providing advance notice.
Such action is available when a physician is likely to “expose patients to harm or injury, and urgent intervention is needed,” the spokesperson said.
According to the college’s register, Dissanayake specializes in rheumatology and pediatrics. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Toronto in 2014.
SickKids previously identified him as a staff rheumatologist and clinician-scientist. He also held a clinical appointment at the University of Toronto.
Police Seized SickKids Work Computer
Toronto police arrested Dissanayake following an investigation by the Internet Child Exploitation Unit.
Police said the investigation began in January after an electronic device was allegedly used to access and download child sexual abuse and exploitation material.
In February, investigators executed search warrants at The Hospital for Sick Children and a private residence. Officers seized several electronic devices, including a work computer.
Dissanayake faces one count of possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material and one count of accessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material.
Investigators said they have found no evidence connecting the material involved in the charges to Dissanayake’s medical work.
SickKids Places Doctor on Immediate Leave
SickKids said Tuesday that it was “deeply upset and dismayed” by the allegations and condemned the alleged conduct under investigation.
“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 said.
SickKids said it had not been informed of any risk to patients or families. The hospital placed Dissanayake on immediate leave after learning about the investigation.
Families whose children received treatment from Dissanayake and have concerns have been asked to contact the hospital’s Patient Relations office at [email protected].
The University of Toronto also placed Dissanayake on administrative leave. The institution previously said it had no evidence linking the charges to his university activities.
Toronto police said the investigation is ongoing and asked anyone with relevant information to contact investigators.
