Sri Lanka’s biggest-ever Rs. 630 Mn lottery jackpot claimed

20 February 2026 07:49 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 11 Bookmark

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Colombo, Feb. 20 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka’s largest-ever lottery jackpot, amounting to more than Rs. 63 crore, has been claimed, officials said on Friday.

A representative of the Development Lotteries Board said the winning ticket carried a prize of Rs. 629,855,919.60, marking the highest payout recorded in the country’s lottery history.

The ticket was purchased in the Girandurukotte area in the Badulla District, the official said at a media briefing.

The winner will be formally identified following verification of the ticket’s authenticity and completion of the required legal and financial procedures, including compliance checks related to the payout.

Officials noted that the prize is subject to a one-time 14 per cent tax in accordance with regulations governing lottery winnings.

The Development Lotteries Board, which has operated for more than four decades, currently conducts eight lottery games daily.

Proceeds from ticket sales are credited to the President’s Fund and channelled towards national development and welfare initiatives, officials added.

Comments - 11

Jude Friday, 20 February 2026 10:50 PM

The winner can lend part of the proceeds to the government!!???

34 4

Errol Gomesz Saturday, 21 February 2026 07:29 AM

Why should he. Will you do so.

1 4

Lontha Saturday, 21 February 2026 09:39 AM

what a sour idiot. 14% is for the government. You don't want him to have his money?

0 6

Jude Saturday, 21 February 2026 09:43 AM

Just kidding!!!!

2 2

Ranbanda Friday, 20 February 2026 11:47 PM

Winner should be allowed to stay anonymous considering the underworld activities currently going on.

0 12

Rohini Wijetilleke Saturday, 21 February 2026 12:34 AM

Winner should not take any action now.Cool off and decide rationally. Many a winner has ended up in misery. It is better for euphoria to to get reduced and rationality to take over..

0 3

Pls do not reveal the name of the winner in the medias Saturday, 21 February 2026 07:14 AM

Pls do not publicise the name of the winner considering his privacy and safety

0 8

Is it not prudent to distribute prize money among more than one person? Saturday, 21 February 2026 08:39 AM

Our country does not have super business magnates who can utilize the entire amount single handed. They are all ordinary citizens, and the chances are moneys will be spent for wrong reasons. Is it not prudent to distribute prize money among more than one person? For example, about 10 persons so that it will be disbursed properly. One person may not live long enough to spend all that money. Instead it may even lead to problem to the society!

6 2

Congratulations to the winner Saturday, 21 February 2026 08:43 AM

Possibility, like the silent donor in Japan who paid for water treatment and repairs. Lotteries around the world always end up with big first prize going to a solo winner, so surprising.

0 2

sugathadasa Saturday, 21 February 2026 08:51 AM

The winner can if he or she wants do a benevolent act of much merit by helping few people who had suffered from cyclone Ditwah.

1 0

Navi Saturday, 21 February 2026 09:31 PM

What the winners want to do with his winnings is his or her business. Do not expose the Winner's identity and address. Winner should be advised to remain anonymous to protect him from politicians in the Country.

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