A Sri Lankan doctor attached to Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) has been arrested and charged in Canada following an investigation into alleged possession and access of child sexual abuse and exploitation material.
Toronto Police said Dr. Dilan Dissanayake, 44, of Toronto, was arrested on Tuesday (21) by officers attached to its Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Section. He has been charged with possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material and accessing such material.
Dr. Dissanayake is a staff rheumatologist at SickKids, one of Canada’s leading paediatric hospitals.
According to Toronto Police, 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 SickKids and a private residence, seizing several electronic devices, including a work computer.
Police stressed that investigators have so far found no evidence connecting the alleged material to Dr. Dissanayake’s work as a physician. The investigation remains ongoing.
Meanwhile, SickKids said it was “deeply upset and dismayed” by the charges and condemned the alleged conduct.
The hospital said it had not been informed of any risk to patients or their families and reiterated that police had found no evidence linking the charges to Dr. Dissanayake’s medical practice. He was placed on immediate leave after the hospital became aware of the investigation.
Dr. Dissanayake was scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on Tuesday.
