Image Credits: cinnamonhotels.com
By Aakifa Bazeer (Editor-in-chief for The Business ICON Magazine)
In one of the most ambitious milestones in Sri Lanka’s private sector history, the Cinnamon Life City of Dreams launched this week — a USD 1.2 billion mega development by John Keells Holdings (JKH) in partnership with Melco Resorts & Entertainment.
The press conference featured two visionary leaders:
Mr. Krishan Balendra, Chairperson of John Keells Group
Mr. Lawrence Ho, Chairman & CEO of Melco Resorts
Also turning heads at the glamorous red-carpet gala last night was Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan, who added star power to this landmark launch.
“A Declaration of Belief in Sri Lanka”
Krishan Balendra called it more than just a development:
“This is a declaration of belief — in Sri Lanka’s future, in its resilience, and in the power of long-term vision.”
Key features of the City of Dreams:
Two hotels: Cinnamon Life (680 rooms) & NUWA (137 rooms)
High-end residences
17 dining outlets
Retail, entertainment & cultural zones
Green, integrated urban design
This project is expected to:
Generate thousands of jobs
Attract major foreign direct investment
Boost SMEs and tourism
Position Colombo as a global city
“City of Dreams Sri Lanka is a symbol of possibility — and a celebration of the nation’s potential.”
– Lawrence Ho, Chairman & CEO of Melco Resorts
Melco will operate the NUWA hotel and a luxury gaming facility, while also supporting:
Local talent development
Responsible gaming standards (with RG Check accreditation)
Leveraging feeder markets like India, China, and Russia
A New Era Begins
With the Cinnamon Life City of Dreams launch, Colombo officially steps onto the global luxury map.
As Balendra summed it up:
“Sri Lanka’s best days are not behind us — they are ahead of us. And we will help shape them.”
