On October 15, the grand unveiling of Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka marked a monumental step for the John Keells Group and the tourism industry of the country. Developed with an investment surpassing USD 1.2 billion, this venture stands as the most substantial and visionary private sector investment within Sri Lanka, poised to transform the tourism landscape significantly.
A monumental opening:
City of Dreams Sri Lanka, nestled in the heart of Colombo, sprawls across numerous luxurious facilities, including 687 opulent rooms. It promises an unparalleled experience with its vast array of entertainment venues. The complex boasts expansive ballrooms and state-of-the-art conference facilities capable of accommodating over 5,000 attendees. This infrastructure positions Colombo as a top-tier destination for global MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) travel.
The venue is scheduled to become the largest event hub in Colombo, setting new benchmarks for hosting international conferences and large-scale gatherings. “City of Dreams Sri Lanka is an iconic project that was conceived over a decade ago; a unique venture that will undoubtedly convert Colombo into a preferred destination for leisure and entertainment in the region, offering top-tier lifestyle, shopping, and entertainment spaces,” said Krishan Balendra, Chairperson of the John Keells Group, as Ceylon Daily News reports.
In addition to its accommodations and event spaces, City of Dreams Sri Lanka offers a rich tapestry of culinary delights, managed by over 1,500 professionals, including 250 chefs. The resort’s diverse dining settings provide a journey through various gastronomic experiences, ranging from local delicacies to international cuisines. In the coming months, the resort plans to enhance its culinary offerings further.
Artistic heritage and future prospects:
The project also encompasses a living gallery featuring over 1,000 museum-grade artworks by renowned Sri Lankan artists, reflecting the nation’s rich artistic heritage in a modern setting. These commissioned pieces add a unique cultural dimension to the guest experience.
Moreover, the City of Dreams is set to expand with the addition of a shopping mall and entertainment areas, including a gaming facility and the 113-key ultra-luxury ‘Nuwa’ hotel, by mid-2025. This phased development is anticipated to catalyze a surge in tourism demand, foreign exchange earnings, and job creation, potentially generating over 20,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities.
In partnership with Macau-based gaming operator Melco Resorts & Entertainment, the project underscores a significant collaboration in the region. Melco, which secured a 20-year casino license earlier this year, projects that the City of Dreams Sri Lanka will generate Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) between $200 million to $250 million on a run-rate basis. Lawrence Ho, Chairman and CEO of Melco, expressed optimism about the potential for expanding the gaming facilities based on performance and market conditions.
