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John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH) partnered with Hong Kong-listed Melco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd to create City of Dreams Sri Lanka. The collaboration brings together local expertise and international gaming experience.
JKH Group Chairperson Krishan Balendra leads the Sri Lankan side. Melco Chairman and CEO Lawrence Ho represents the Hong Kong gaming company.
The project took over a decade to complete. It’s positioned as South Asia’s first luxury gaming-led destination.
Melco operates the flagship Nüwa hotel brand within the complex. The company brings its global integrated resort expertise to the Sri Lankan market.
Sri Lanka needs tourism revenue after its recent economic crisis. The US$1.2 billion investment represents the largest private sector tourism project in the country’s history.
The resort targets high-spending tourists from India and across the region. Sri Lanka’s strategic location makes it accessible to major Asian markets.
“City of Dreams Sri Lanka is expected to serve as a catalyst for stimulating tourism demand and promoting economic growth,” Lawrence Ho said. The project follows successful integrated resort models from other jurisdictions.
Balendra called it “the realisation of a key pillar” that will set “a new benchmark in South Asia for world-class lifestyle, entertainment, and retail offerings.”
The complex includes a state-of-the-art casino, premium shopping mall, and 113-key Nüwa hotel. All three components open simultaneously in the final phase.
The waterfront location sits in central Colombo. The integrated resort combines hospitality, entertainment, MICE infrastructure and high-end retail in one destination.
Melco operates the Nüwa hotel under its flagship brand. The casino brings international gaming standards to the Sri Lankan market.
The shopping mall adds luxury retail options. The complex also features eco-friendly technologies and supports local art and culture initiatives.
The resort elevates Sri Lanka’s tourism appeal beyond traditional offerings. It introduces global expertise in luxury hospitality and gaming to the local market.
City of Dreams expands its iconic brand into a new market. The company sees opportunity in the region’s growing tourism demand.
The project emphasises sustainability and community engagement. It supports local art and culture while meeting international environmental standards.
Other integrated resorts worldwide have boosted tourism numbers significantly. Sri Lanka hopes for similar results from this landmark development.
The opening completes a project envisioned over a decade ago. It represents a major milestone in the country’s post-crisis recovery efforts.
Ho stressed the partnership’s importance. “We are thrilled to be part of this landmark development in Sri Lanka and to be in partnership with John Keells,” he said.
The resort sets new benchmarks for luxury and sustainability in the region.
