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 Michael Dunn is a prolific iGaming content writer with 8+ years of experience dissecting it all, from game and casino reviews to industry news, blogs, and guides. A psychology graduate and painter that transitioned into the iGaming world, his articles depend on proven data and tested insights to educate readers on the best gambling approaches. Beyond iGaming content craftsmanship, Lucas is an avid advocate for responsible play, focusing on empowering players to strike a balance between thrill and informed choices.
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