Sri Lanka's City of Dreams is banking on an influx of visitors from India and an increase in leisure travel to boost its tourism sector.
In a significant move for the island nation, the highly-anticipated City of Dreams Sri Lanka opened its doors on August 2, 2025. This integrated resort, a first of its kind in South Asia, is expected to revolutionise Sri Lanka's tourism industry and contribute significantly to the country's economy.
Spearheaded by Melco Resorts, the $1.2 billion Cinnamon Life development was discussed by Gihan Cooray, deputy chairman of John Keells, on CNBC Inside Asia. Cooray expressed optimism that partnering with Melco Resorts would help appease some opposition and concerns about the impact of a large-scale casino on the island country.
The City of Dreams Sri Lanka is more than just a casino. It is a mixed-use complex offering world-class dining, live entertainment, high-end local retail, outdoor events, and two swimming complexes. The resort aims to elevate Sri Lankaβs tourism appeal by combining luxury hospitality, international-standard gaming, signature dining, and immersive entertainment spaces that blend modernity with local culture.
According to Gihan Cooray and Lawrence Ho, the City of Dreams Sri Lanka is expected to significantly boost tourism from India and the wider South Asian region. The integrated resort is strategically located within one and a half hours of most key Indian cities, making it an attractive destination for visitors from the region.
Economically, the project is anticipated to generate substantial benefits. Over 20,000 direct and indirect jobs are expected to be created, enhancing foreign exchange earnings and overall national economic growth. The resort sets new benchmarks for luxury, sustainability, and community engagement, reflecting a commitment to responsible tourism that integrates environmentally friendly technologies and strong support for local arts and culture.
Lawrence Ho, founder, chairman, and CEO of Melco Resorts, was present at the opening of City of Dreams Sri Lanka. He emphasised that the resort symbolises confidence in Sri Lankaβs future, with the integrated resort serving as a symbol of possibility that helps elevate Sri Lankaβs global profile and tourism economy.
Melco Resorts, a highly respected gaming firm that operates in multiple global markets and has strong company and brand awareness throughout Asia, will manage the casino at the City of Dreams Sri Lanka. In a unique arrangement, Melco Resorts will share about half of the gross gaming revenue generated at the casino with John Keells Holdings.
The casino and accompanying resort are targeting visitors from India, which accounted for only 18.5% of the visitors to Sri Lanka last month. However, with infrastructure investments improving Sri Lanka's accessibility with India, this figure is expected to increase.
Cooray is optimistic about Sri Lanka's tourism future due to restored stability. The opening of City of Dreams Sri Lanka is a testament to this optimism, as the resort represents a transformative project aimed at elevating Sri Lanka's global profile and contributing to its tourism economy.
As Sri Lanka welcomed approximately 200,000 visitors last month, the potential for growth in the tourism sector is evident. With the City of Dreams Sri Lanka now open, the country is poised to attract even more visitors, boosting its economy and cementing its position as a premier MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination in the region.
[1] Gihan Cooray and Lawrence Ho Discuss City of Dreams Sri Lanka on CNBC Inside Asia. (2025, August 12). Retrieved from https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/12/gihan-cooray-and-lawrence-ho-discuss-city-of-dreams-sri-lanka-on-cnbc-inside-asia.html
[2] City of Dreams Sri Lanka Opens, Set to Boost Tourism and Economy. (2025, August 3). Retrieved from https://www.johnkeells.com/news/city-of-dreams-sri-lanka-opens-set-to-boost-tourism-and-economy
[3] Lawrence Ho: City of Dreams Sri Lanka Symbolises Confidence in Sri Lankaβs Future. (2025, August 2). Retrieved from https://www.melco-resorts.com/news/lawrence-ho-city-of-dreams-sri-lanka-symbolises-confidence-in-sri-lankas-future
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