Broadcaster Dilhani Wickremasinghe, popularly known as ‘Dil’ is the host of the popular talk show ‘Global Village’ in “Newstalk 106 – 108 FM” radio channel in Ireland. Dilhani proposed to her girlfriend Anne Marie O’Toole saying, “Now that we can, and there’s nothing and no one standing in the way, will you marry me?” Anne Marie accepted the proposal.
Ireland legalized same sex marriages on May 23, 2015 with a 62% “Yes” vote by the people living in the Republic of Ireland. Dilhani and Anne Marie were over the moon with the positive vote and they became ‘parents’ to an IVF infused baby boy ‘Phoenix’ on May 17.
The Catholic Church in Ireland was shocked with the outcome. Archbishop of Dublin, Diarmuid Martin said “I ask myself, most of these young people who voted “Yes” are products of our Catholic school system for 12 years. We have to stop and have a reality check, not move into denial of the realities”.
Dilhani considers herself a proud Irish. She was born in Rome, Italy to Sri Lankan parents and moved to Sri Lanka when she was 12 years. She had a burning desire to become a journalist and soon began working at the national radio station in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Many advised her to conceal her identity if she wanted to make it on Sri Lankan radio so at 21, Dilhani moved to Bahrain and worked for Gulf Air as an Air Hostess. Then she decided to move to Dublin and start her life. She states “My first job in Ireland was a kitchen porter. From there, I worked my way up. From kitchen porter to silver service waiter, catering supervisor, receptionist, wage clerk, human resource administrator, senior recruitment consultant, trainer, community worker, activist, social entrepreneur, stand-up comedian, actor, broadcaster and journalist. “I am proud about what I have achieved so far. I host the award winning ‘Global Village’ show on Newstalk 106-108 FM every Saturday 7-9 pm. I also contribute to RTE and TV3”.
In 2010 Dil met Anne Marie. She knew she had found her life partner and within 6 months Dil popped the question on Anne Marie’s 30th birthday. Anne said yes, they decided not to get married till they had full rights of a civil marriage.
In 2014 Dilhani received the Frederick Douglass Award from Lord Mayor Oisin Quinn for making a significant contribution to the life of Dublin and Dubliners.
