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City of Dreams Sri Lanka Launches, Redefining Colombo’s Luxury Tourism Landscape

Travel and Hospitality

Business Honor - City of Dreams Sri Lanka Launches

Business Honor
08 August, 2025

South Asia’s first integrated resort blends culture, hospitality, entertainment, and economic opportunity

Sri Lanka has made a huge leap in international luxury tourism with the grand launch of City of Dreams Sri Lanka, a $1.2 billion integrated resort in downtown Colombo. The landmark development is South Asia's first and only fully integrated luxury resort, combining hospitality, gaming, entertainment, retail, and fine dining into a world-class destination. Created by John Keells Holdings PLC in partnership with Melco Resorts & Entertainment, the resort is intended to turn Colombo into a tourism, business, and lifestyle experience hub for the region. The glamorous launch event included cultural performances and celebrity appearances, such as Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan.

At its center, the resort boasts Nuwa, Melco's ultra-luxury hotel brand boasting 113 premium rooms with the highest level of design and service. It is joined by Cinnamon Life, a 687-room upscale hotel renowned for its hospitality and contemporary facilities characteristic of Sri Lanka. Combined, they serve global travelers in need of elegance and authenticity. The development also features The Shoppes, a high-end shopping promenade, and 17 dining establishments, providing a range of international flavors and Sri Lankan dishes. A world-class casino, operated by Melco, introduces excitement to the entertainment options, while live shows and art exhibitions celebrate the local culture.

City of Dreams Sri Lanka is forecast to create more than 20,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities, promoting economic growth and talent development. It also sets Colombo as a leading business events destination, for luxury travel, and high-consumption tourists from India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. This megaproject represents a bold, new era for Sri Lanka—blending tradition and innovation, and firmly putting Colombo on the world map of most desirable urban luxury destinations.