In a move highly anticipated to transform the tourism industry of Sri Lanka, the John Keells Group unveiled Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka. The US$1.2 billion investment takes the crown as the country's most ambitious private-sector investment. It is expected to be a game changer in South Asia as the first integrated resort (IR) to open its doors, with dynamic business, leisure, and entertainment offerings.
Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka Begins Commercial Operations

Photo by Wikimedia Commons, CC by 2.0
Key Takeaways
- City of Dreams will reshape Sri Lanka's tourism landscape, drawing in a diverse clientele
- Cinnamon Life luxury hotel features 687 hotel rooms and luxury suites
- A casino, shopping mall, and ultra-luxury hotel are scheduled to open at the IR in mid-2025
A Historic Launch
Situated in the heart of Colombo, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka features 687 luxurious rooms. The complex has multiple entertainment facilities, including expansive ballrooms and ultra-modern conference facilities with a 5,000-guest capacity in multiple unique spaces. The IR sets a new standard for Colombo as a premier venue for global MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) travel.
The integrated resort also pays homage to Sri Lankan heritage with a living gallery with over 1,000 museum-grade artworks. The pieces are sourced from renowned local artists and showcase the country's cultural diversity and depth in a contemporary setting.
"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," stated Krishan Balendra, Chair of the John Keells Group.
A Sophisticated Dining Experience
In addition to setting new benchmarks as the largest event hub in Colombo, City of Dreams Sri Lanka promises a lavish tapestry of culinary delights. With over 1,500 professionals, including 250 chefs, the resort provides guests with diverse cuisine options, from local delicacies to international cookery, accompanied by a rich selection of wines and a complimentary two-tier Champagne and cocktail bar. Cinnamon Life intends to refine its culinary landscape over the next few months to incorporate even more extraordinary dining experiences.
More to Come
City of Dreams Sri Lanka intends to expand with a shopping mall and entertainment areas, including a casino and the 113-key ultra-luxury Nuwa hotel. These venues are slated to launch in mid-2025, marking the final phase of the IR. Once it is fully operational, the complex is expected to generate over 20,000 job and community engagement opportunities.
John Keells Group is confident that City of Dreams Sri Lanka will foster sustainable economic growth in the region. The complex demonstrates the transformative development potential of such landmark developments in South Asia as all eyes are on Thailand as it debates IR legalization.
Lucas is a New Jersey-born and raised copywriter. His content encompasses casino, software provider, and game reviews, news, and blogs. Lucas’ professional writing experience spans more than six years. He works globally with clients from the US, the UK, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Canada. Before he started writing gambling content, Lucas went to Rutgers University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Just to shake things up, he became a painter, following in his father’s footsteps. He now writes full-time and doubles in painting now and then.
Related News

Star Entertainment Faces Risk of Collapse Over AUSTRAC’s $400M AML Fine
AUSTRAC alleges Star enabled 117 high-risk clients to funnel billions in suspect funds through its casinos between 2016 and 2020.

ACMA Penalizes Four Betting Operators for Self-Exclusion Rule Breaches
ACMA uncovered the breaches through investigations enforcing the Interactive Gambling Act and national online wagering consumer protection rules.

Brazil Gambling Trade Associations Unite Against Rising Industry Taxes
Brazil’s largest gambling associations, including IBKR, ANJL, and IJL, jointly oppose plans to hike taxes on licensed betting operators.

NoLimit City Extends Popular Franchise with Fire in the Hole 3
Fire in the Hole 3 is decked with the software developer's signature xFeatures, including xBomb wild multipliers, xHole, and xSplit.

Macau Government Lowers Gaming Revenue Forecast to MOP228B Amid Caution
The forecast revision stems from underwhelming GGR results from January to May, totaling MOP97.7 billion and averaging at MOP19.5 billion monthly.

Fanatics Betting & Gaming Launches in the Philippines with Claymore Collab
This partnership marks Fanatics’ expansion beyond the US, tapping into the Philippines’ renowned business process outsourcing (BPO) sector.

PAGCOR Board Tenders Courtesy Resignations Amid Marcos Government Overhaul
The announcement follows a presidential directive for 168 government officials to resign after poor May 2025 midterm election results.

Sega Sammy Completes $96 Million Acquisition of Tech Firm GAN Limited
The finalized GAN Limited purchase price slightly exceeds the projected $95.8 million, at $1.97 per share, 121% over its November 2023 closing price.

Playtech Transfers German Asset Happybet to Pferdewetten Subsidiary
The agreement’s completion accelerates Playtech’s exit from regulated EU betting markets following its €2.3 billion Snaitech sale in 2024.

Wyke Gaming Faces UKGC License Suspension for Self-Exclusion Non-Compliance
Wyke’s Hanover Square venue in Bradford was ordered to close and is prohibited from reopening until it demonstrates full licensing compliance.

Hacksaw Gaming Unveils Pray for Three, a Sinister Underworld-Themed Slot
Pray for Three pairs Hacksaw Gaming’s signature dark humor led by a cast of fallen sisters with cascading wins and multipliers of up to 333x.

Regulator KSA Ramps Up Enforcement of Dutch Gambling Advertising Ban
New rules prohibit all sports gambling sponsorships, including promotional deals with athletes, teams, leagues, club shirts, and branded accessories.

MGM Pursues $5 Billion Bangkok Casino, Urges Tax Reforms and Local Access
MGM urges Thailand to emulate Singapore’s 17% casino tax model, contrasting Macau’s 40%, to boost investor appeal and sustainability.

IGT-Led Consortium Wins €2.23 Billion Italian Lotto License Rights Until 2034
IGT further cements its 30-year Italian lottery dominance for nine more years with the license, extending operational control established in 1993.

Macau’s Flat Gaming Tax Income Through First Four Months Strains Public Revenue
The region’s financial income (investments, dividends, interests) from the Monetary Authority crashed to MOP6,000 from MOP1 billion in 2024.

Japan Targets Illegal Online Casinos as Gambling Concerns Mount
A Council for Sports Ecosystem Promotion report found Japanese bettors wagered JPY6.45 trillion on overseas gambling sites despite being illegal.

Tan Hee Teck to Exit from Genting Singapore and Resorts World Sentosa Leadership
Genting Singapore confirmed Tan Hee Teck’s retirement from all executive and board roles, but he will retain an advisory role until November 30.

Brazil Sports Ministry and Sportradar Seal Deal to Promote Sports Integrity
Sportradar will assist Brazil’s Sports Ministry by providing suspicious betting alerts using advanced UFDS technology as part of the agreement.

The Philippines National Treasury Receives PHP12.67 Billion from PAGCOR
PAGCOR turned over 75% of 2024 net income, surpassing the 50% remittance mandated under the Philippine Republic Act No. 7656 Dividends Law by 25%.

Dutch Government Keeps Lottery State-Run, Prioritizes Gambling Reforms
The Dutch government’s decision is driven by policy priorities, including public safety, addiction prevention, and combating illegal gambling.

Hacksaw Gaming Packs a 12,500x Payout Potential in New Slot, Danny Dollar
Danny Dollar, the sequel to Donny Dough, maintains a similar theatrical theme to its predecessor but with a 25% greater maximum win.

Melco Macau Resorts Drive Q1 Growth Amid Varid International Performance
The casino operator, with properties in Macau, Philippines, Cyprus, and Sri Lanka, reported a net income surge to $32.5 million YoY.

Japan Reopens IR Licensing Bid; Targets Two New Casino Hubs by 2027
Japan will open public consultations from August to December 2025 on a cabinet order defining integrated resort application procedures.

Thai PM Defends Integrated Resorts Plan with Strict Visitor Screening
PM Paetongtarn clarified in her “Empowering Thais” address that casino resorts aim to strengthen Thailand’s global tourism standing.

Hacksaw Gaming's Rad Maxx Slot Redefines Win Potential with Dynamic Paylines
Rad Maxx Slot replaces the expanding wilds in its predecessor, RIP City, with multiplier wilds that upgrade symbol payouts by up to 20x.

Sega Sammy Completes Stakelogic Purchase After Court Mandate
Sega Sammy finalized the acquisition despite concerns that Stakelogic had breached compliance rules in the Japanese and Turkish markets.

Industry Warns UK Gambling Tax Overhaul Risks Racing Industry Collapse
The government proposes a unified Remote Betting and Gaming Duty to replace the current tax structure (RGD 21%, GBD 15%, and PBD 15%).

Hacksaw Gaming Battles with Rome’s Military Might in New Slot Release
Reign of Rome symbol wins for five of a kind go up to 10x the bet, and they get upgraded up to 15,000x by three free spin bonuses.

Sands China Unveils Major Londoner Grand Renovation Ahead of Golden Week
The Londoner changes slashed the room count from over 4,000 to 2,405 premium units (1,500 suites and 905 rooms) targeting upscale tourists.

Macau Strengthens Gaming Oversight to Prioritize Non-Gaming Investments
Economy Secretary Tai warned Macau’s gaming sector faces rising pressures from global rivals and evolving consumer trends despite economic stability.

Sri Lanka Advances Gambling Regulation with New Oversight Authority
A new authority will enforce responsible gambling practices and tackle unregulated betting concerns by closing exploited loopholes.

Macau Welcomes Over Half a Million Travelers During the Easter Weekend
Mainland China comprised 60% of visitors, most of who used Macau’s Border Gate and Hong Kong Zhuhai-Macao Bridge entry points.

Lavish THE 13 Hotel Seeks New Buyer After Unsuccessful 2024 Tender
The 199-unit lavish property includes 196 rooms (1.8K to 5K sq ft) and three villas (10 sq ft each) with baroque interiors and luxury amenities.