The $1.2 billion City of Dreams Sri Lanka resort, launched in Colombo on August 2, is being positioned as a potential gaming and tourism hub for South Asia, with a specific focus on attracting high-end travelers from India. Developed by Melco Resorts & Entertainment in partnership with John Keells Holdings, the resort marks Melco’s first property in the region and operates under a 20-year gaming license, following Sri Lanka’s introduction of a formal regulatory framework in 2023.

Melco Chairman Lawrence Ho, speaking at the August 2 launch, said the project carries transformative potential not just for Sri Lanka but also for neighboring India. “Sri Lanka can be to India what Macau is to China,” he declared. “Macau is by far the biggest gaming market in the world. Colombo is the closest destination to India, and an integrated resort like this gives the city a lot of potential.”

Resort Targets High-End Travelers from India and Beyond

The resort’s strategy focuses on attracting affluent tourists from India, the Middle East, Russia, and China. John Keells Chairperson Krishan Balendra emphasized Colombo’s geographic advantage: “Sri Lanka is perfectly positioned as a gateway to key feeder markets,” he said. “India in particular is showing tremendous growth in its affluent middle and upper classes.”

The development includes over 800 hotel rooms split between Melco’s NÜWA brand and the Cinnamon Life hotel managed by John Keells. Alongside adult gaming facilities operating under a 20-year license, the resort also features 17 restaurants and bars led by internationally recognized chefs, a luxury shopping promenade, residences, offices, and expansive conference and event spaces.

Balendra noted that the resort was first conceived in 2010 as Sri Lanka emerged from decades of civil conflict. Despite numerous setbacks—including the 2019 Easter attacks, COVID-19 disruptions, and the country’s recent economic turmoil—both partners held firm on their vision. “This is our country’s largest private sector investment and it’s our declaration of belief in Sri Lanka’s future,” Balendra said, as reported by AdaDerana. “Through every challenge from economic headwinds to the global pandemic, we have chosen to invest, not retreat.”

He added that the opening sends a clear message to international investors that Sri Lanka is once again open for business. The large-scale resort is expected to generate thousands of jobs across sectors like hospitality, construction, and technology, while also boosting GDP through foreign direct investment and tourism.

Lawrence Ho echoed this optimism: “This project is about more than creating a luxury resort. It’s about helping to elevate Sri Lanka’s global profile and contributing to its tourism economy. A development of this scale has a cascading effect — it drives demand for local products, services and supply.”

Colombo Aims for Status as a Regional Gaming Destination

The resort’s completion comes after Sri Lanka established a formal regulatory framework for gaming in 2023, paving the way for Melco’s legal entry into the market. City of Dreams Sri Lanka now stands as the only property of its kind in the region.

Ho recalled his first visit to the Colombo site back in 2013, when he was introduced to the original building designs. “We’ve built some pretty amazing properties around the world, but this one seemed impossible,” he reflected. “And today, we are standing in this iconic building.”

To celebrate the launch, a grand opening event was held featuring Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan, adding a celebrity spotlight to the resort’s regional aspirations. Balendra reported that winter bookings across the group’s hotels, including this new venue, are already ahead of last year—an early indicator of the strong tourism draw the resort is expected to generate.

With established properties in Macau, Manila, and Cyprus, Melco’s expansion into Colombo marks its first foray into South Asia. The company views this project as not only a flagship asset but also a potential model for future integrated resorts in emerging markets.