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| SLTDA Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam |
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| Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams CEO and General Manager Sanjiv Hulugalle |
The Sri Lanka Tourism last week hailed the stature and importance of Sri Lanka’s latest 5-Star certified property – Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams.
Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams is the 33rd in the country to receive 5-star certification, the room inventory of which in Sri Lanka is around 7,700.
“With around 700 rooms, Cinnamon Life at COD accounts for 10% of the 5-star accommodation we have in the country. This is a remarkable property and a need of the times,” Sri Lanka Tourism Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam said at the ceremonial handover of the 5-star certification by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).
Whilst acknowledging that the construction phase of Cinnamon Life went through multiple challenges, Hewawasam noted that it was a pleasure and honour for SLTDA to be awarding 5-star certification.
“With the right investments, standards and service levels, Cinnamon Life at COD has a critical role in enhancing the foreign exchange earnings from the hotels and tourism industry,” he said, adding that Colombo needs to be revitalised and has the great potential to become the hub in South Asia for leisure, entertainment and MICE tourism.
As South Asia’s largest and first fully integrated resort, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams represents a transformative investment in Sri Lanka’s tourism and leisure economy. Developed by John Keells Holdings PLC with a historic $ 1.2 billion investment – the largest private development in the country – the resort has reshaped Colombo into a premier destination for luxury travel, entertainment, world-class events, and international business.
A hallmark of the property is its extensive event and convention infrastructure, featuring over 160,000 sq. ft. of versatile, high-spec event space. With five signature ballrooms, cutting-edge technology, and three exceptional outdoor venues offering panoramic views of the ocean and the Colombo skyline, Cinnamon Life has established itself as an unrivalled hub for global conferences, high-profile celebrations, and corporate gatherings for both local and international travellers.
Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams CEO and General Manager Sanjiv Hulugalle said: “We are deeply honoured to receive this Five-Star Certification from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to world-class service, guest centric innovation, and the elevated experiences that define Cinnamon Life. Our aspiration is to set new standards for luxury, leisure, and MICE tourism in the region, while supporting Sri Lanka’s positioning on the global stage.”
The Five-Star Certification further cements Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams as one of Sri Lanka’s foremost luxury destinations. With its two luxury hotels, curated signature dining concepts, immersive entertainment arenas, and a vibrant retail and lifestyle precinct, the resort offers an unparalleled blend of hospitality, lifestyle, and experiences under one iconic address.
Hulugalle paid a great tribute to the resilient staff of Cinnamon Life which employs around 1,500 whilst the overall City of Dreams (COD) has a staff of 3,000. “Their spirit and resilience is a blessing,” he said, recalling how the staff rallied around amidst challenging times of recent Ditwah floods. “The dedicated team is the heart and soul of Cinnamon Life at COD, with the latter being one of a kind in the entire South Asia region and attracting a new customer segment offering a fresh experience.
He said that achieving the 5-star status sets the bar high for Cinnamon Life at COD and will pursue continuous improvement thereby making the hotel top of the mind among tourists and a global standard in Sri Lanka.
City of Dreams is Sri Lanka’s largest and most ambitious integrated resort, redefining Colombo’s skyline as a symbol of modern luxury and innovation. Designed as a “city within a city,” the destination offers 800 luxury rooms and suites, with 687 at Cinnamon Life and 113 at NUWA, complemented by a diverse selection of 13 restaurants and bars that showcase global cuisines alongside Sri Lanka’s rich culinary heritage. Adding to its appeal is a vibrant mix of high-end retail, Sri Lanka’s premier entertainment arena, a shopping mall, office towers, and luxury residences. This integrated ecosystem enables delegates to stay, work, meet, dine, shop, and celebrate seamlessly under one roof, delivering unmatched convenience and engagement.
- Pix by Sameera Wijesinghe
