Sri Lanka’s largest-ever lottery jackpot has been claimed, officials confirmed.
A representative of the Development Lotteries Board said the winning ticket carried a prize of Rs. 629,855,919.60. It marks the highest payout in the country’s lottery history.
The ticket was sold in Girandurukotte in the Badulla district.
Officials will formally identify the winner after verifying the ticket and completing legal and financial checks. Authorities must also carry out compliance procedures before releasing the funds.
The prize is subject to a one-time 14% tax under existing lottery regulations.
The Development Lotteries Board has been in operation for over 40 years. It currently conducts eight lottery draws each day.
Proceeds from ticket sales go to the President’s Fund and support national development and welfare programmes. These include the Mahapola Higher Education Scholarship Trust Fund, healthcare services, social welfare initiatives and assistance for families of war heroes.
Meanwhile, the board announced that it will launch another major cash prize draw starting Friday. Officials say the record payout highlights continued public participation in state-run lotteries.
Last modified: February 21, 2026
