City of Dreams Sri Lanka on course for August casino opening
Melco Resorts & Entertainment is on course to open the casino at City of Dreams Sri Lanka in Colombom in August, according to its partner in the project John Keells Holdings Plc, the casino group’s local partner on the project in Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo.
The 180,000 square foot gaming floor will be access through the Nuwa at City hotel which will be on the top five floors of the hotel tower.
Krishan Balendra, John Keells’ Chairperson, said: “The completion of the remaining elements of the City of Dreams Sri Lanka integrated resort project is progressing well, with the fit-out and finishing works relating to the 113-key Nuwa hotel and the casino near complete for its planned opening in August 2025.”
“Over the next few months, gaming equipment will be installed, ensuring operational readiness. The recruitment and training of staff for the Nuwa hotel and casino is progressing well with many key positions already onboarded.”
“The commitment by Melco [Resorts] to invest US$125m, one of the largest foreign investments since the economic crisis, lend their City of Dreams and Nuwa brands to the project, and come on board as a long term operator for both the casino and the Nuwa hotel, reflects not only strong confidence in the country, but is also a testament to the quality of the offering at the integrated resort.”
John Keells Group opened the 687-room Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka with the shopping mall and entertainment areas, in October last year.
Developed at an investment of over US$1.2bn by the John Keells Group, this is the largest and most ambitious private investment in the country which will redefine the tourism landscape, catering to a diverse clientele creating South Asia’s most dynamic destination for business, leisure, and entertainment.
Mr Balendra added: “‘City of Dreams Sri Lanka’ is an iconic project that was conceived over a decade ago; a one-of-a-kind venture that will undoubtedly convert Colombo into a preferred destination for leisure and entertainment in the region, offering best in-class lifestyle, shopping and entertainment spaces. The Group is confident that the convergence of all elements in the launch of ‘City of Dreams Sri Lanka’ will unlock its full potential as a transformative development in South Asia and be a catalyst in creating tourism demand, foreign exchange earnings for Sri Lanka and generating employment. The ‘City of Dreams Sri Lanka’ project, once all components are in full operations, is expected to generate over 20,000 direct and indirect employment and community engagement opportunities.”
