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City of Dreams in Sri Lanka opens its doors
John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH) and Melco Resorts & Entertainment (Melco) recently announced the grand opening of City of Dreams Sri Lanka on August 2, 2025.
Strategically located in the heart of Colombo, South Asia’s first integrated resort includes a world-class casino, luxurious hotels, and a premium shopping mall.
Krishan Balendra, Chairperson of the John Keells Group, stated:
“The opening of the casino and Nuwa 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.”
The resort features 800 rooms and suites, including “Cinnamon Life,” a 687-room luxury hotel, and Melco’s flagship “Nüwa”, a 113-room ultra luxury hotel, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) facilities, a casino, and an entertainment zone operated by Melco, signature dining structures involving internationally acclaimed chefs.
Lawrence Ho, Chairman and CEO of Melco Resorts & Entertainment, shared:
“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.”
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 set to elevate the standard and appeal of Sri Lanka’s tourism offerings.
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