City of Dreams Sri Lanka to launch on 2 August: Landmark in South Asian tourism and luxury

John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH) and Melco Resorts & Entertainment (Melco) have announced the grand opening of City of Dreams Sri Lanka on 2 August. 

This launch marks the completion of the final components of the project, including a world-class casino, the luxurious Nüwa hotel, and a premium shopping mall.

The milestone partnership marks the debut of South Asia’s first fully-integrated resort and Sri Lanka’s largest private sector investment in luxury lifestyle to date – an over $ 1.2 billion development that redefines Colombo’s place on the global tourism map. 

Strategically located in the heart of Colombo, the integrated resort brings together world-class hospitality, upscale retail, immersive entertainment, and cutting-edge MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) infrastructure in one dynamic destination.

Key highlights include:

• 800 rooms and suites, comprising a 687-room luxury hotel branded ‘Cinnamon Life,’ which was launched in October 2024, and a 113-room ultra-luxury hotel under Melco’s flagship ‘Nüwa’ brand.
• Expansive MICE facilities designed to host global business events and conventions.
• A state-of-the-art casino and entertainment zone, operated by Melco, to international luxury gaming standards.
• A curated collection of signature dining experiences involving internationally acclaimed chefs.
• nImmersive entertainment spaces for international performances and cultural showcase.

As City of Dreams expands its iconic brand into a vibrant new market, it capitalises on Sri Lanka’s strategic location and the region’s growing tourism demand. By introducing global expertise in luxury hospitality and gaming, the resort is poised to elevate the standard and appeal of Sri Lanka’s tourism offerings. City of Dreams Sri Lanka is more than a resort – it is the epicentre of a new lifestyle movement, where modernity, elegance, and local culture converge. The landmark project sets new benchmarks for luxury, sustainability, and community engagement, redefining the region’s tourism narrative. 

The project acts as a tourism catalyst, positioned to drive a surge in international arrivals – particularly from South Asia and the region, establishing Colombo as a premier MICE destination, and advocates sustainable development, designed with environmentally friendly technologies and a strong commitment to local art, culture, and community initiatives, reflecting responsible tourism.

John Keells Group Chairperson Krishan Balendra stated: “The opening of the casino and Nüwa hotel operated by Melco marks the realisation of a key pillar of City of Dreams Sri Lanka, bringing to fruition the integrated development that was envisioned over a decade ago. This milestone sets a new benchmark in South Asia for world-class lifestyle, entertainment, and retail offerings. With Melco’s globally recognised expertise and exceptional standards, we believe this unique addition will significantly enhance Colombo’s tourism appeal, drive foreign exchange earnings, and create meaningful employment opportunities. City of Dreams Sri Lanka stands as a bold testament to our confidence in Sri Lanka’s future and our continued commitment to nation-building through transformative investments.”

Melco Chairman and CEO Lawrence Ho commented: “We are thrilled to be part of this landmark development in Sri Lanka and to be in partnership with John Keells. We believe Sri Lanka has immense potential, and this opportunity complements our existing portfolio of properties. City of Dreams Sri Lanka is expected to serve as a catalyst for stimulating tourism demand and promoting economic growth in Sri Lanka, drawing inspiration from the successful examples set by similar integrated resorts in other jurisdictions.”