City of Dreams Sri Lanka Casino Slated for Late 2025 Opening
The casino at City of Dreams Sri Lanka, managed by Melco Resorts & Entertainment, is expected to launch in the third quarter of 2025, according to local project partner John Keells Holdings.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The collaboration between John Keells Holdings and Melco Resorts was formalized last April after Melco’s wholly owned subsidiary secured a 20-year casino license from Sri Lankan authorities.
Previously known as Cinnamon Life Integrated Resort, the $1.2 billion complex in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital, was rebranded as City of Dreams Sri Lanka as part of the partnership. Construction of the integrated resort started in 2014, and some sections, such as the 687-room Cinnamon Life Hotel, restaurants, and event spaces, opened in October 2024.
Progress on Casino and Hotel Construction
John Keells Holdings chairperson Krishan Balendra confirmed that work on the remaining facilities is progressing well. This includes the 113-room Nuwa hotel and gaming operations, which are expected to open alongside the resort’s retail mall in Q3 2025.
In the company's latest financial report for the quarter ending December 31, Balendra noted that these elements were initially projected to debut in mid-2025 but are now set for a slightly later launch.
As part of its commitment, Melco Resorts pledged $125 million to the project last year, cementing its role in operating the casino and Nuwa hotel. The resort is anticipated to generate annual gross gaming revenue between $200 million and $250 million.
Melco Resorts chairman and CEO Lawrence Ho Yau Lung has expressed confidence in the project and said that he believes Sri Lanka has “immense potential” and that the project will complement Melco’s other properties.
Related: Melco Resorts Expands Reach through New Sri Lanka Casino
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A Game-Changer for Sri Lanka’s Tourism
Balendra provided positive updates on the resort’s performance.
We have continued to receive positive feedback from our customers keeping with expectations of the brand positioning of the integrated resort. Demand and bookings for the various event spaces at the property have exceeded expectations. As expected, the occupancy for the hotel will have a slow ramp up till demand for conferences and foreign events gather momentum, particularly given the lag effect for such bookings to materialise.
Looking ahead, Balendra is optimistic about the resort’s impact on Sri Lanka’s economy. He said that the full launch of City of Dreams Sri Lanka would be a key driver of tourism, foreign exchange earnings, and employment opportunities.
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