Jay Jayasinghe of Sri Lankan origin has cashed into the tune of $35 million, claiming the top Lotto Max prize from the June 6 draw by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG).
According to Windsor Star, a new Dodge Charger Hellcat and a trip across Canada are some of the ways Windsor resident Jay Jayasinghe plans to spend his $35-million Lotto Max jackpot winnings.
“I always hoped that my opportunity would come,” Jayasinghe told staff at the OLG’s prize centre in Toronto. “I won this prize exactly one week after my daughter graduated university — it felt like two wins.”
The day after the June 6 draw, Jayasinghe and his wife learned the winning ticket was sold in Windsor.
“In that split second, we thought it could be mine,” he said. “I didn’t really expect it though, so I put it out of my mind.”
When he went to check his ticket and saw the prize amount on the screen, he was in disbelief. He repeatedly scanned his ticket and counted the number of zeros in his winnings, he said.
“It didn’t feel real,” he said. “My heart was palpitating, my skin had goosebumps, and tears came to my eyes. I can hardly remember the days that followed that moment.”
Still in shock, Jayasinghe called his wife to tell her the good news. Then, he drove home to pick her up and brought her to the store where they validated the ticket together.
“I got out of the car and gave her a big hug. We weren’t aware of anything going on around us,” Jayasinghe said. “It didn’t feel like we were on this planet.”
Jayasinghe, a retail worker, plans to buy a new house for his family, support his daughter’s education, and travel.
“I love road trips,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to explore the country, see the Rockies, and appreciate Canada’s natural beauty. I also want to visit family. There are also some special people we want to help — a portion of this win will go to charities that are close to my heart.”
A life-long lover of cars, Jayasinghe also plans to buy a new ride.
“My father used to save automotive catalogues for me, and I still have them,” he said. “I’ve always dreamed of having my own muscle car but spending money on it was never a priority. I told my wife that if I ever won Lotto MAX, I would treat myself to a Dodge Charger Hellcat.”
The winning ticket was purchased at a Mac’s convenience story on Tecumseh Road.
“I’m so wrapped up in excitement, it’s overshadowed everything else,” Jayasinghe said. “My mind keeps replaying times when we made sacrifices for our future. This is an incredible blessing and an opportunity for a better life.
“I’m thankful I was able to come to Canada to build my future. I knew this decision would change my life, but I never expected to have good luck like this. There are no limitations for our dreams now.” (NewsWire)