City of Dreams Sri Lanka casino to open in late 2025

The casino at City of Dreams Sri Lanka is set to open in the third quarter of 2025, according to John Keells Holdings, the project’s local partner.

Operated by Melco Resorts & Entertainment, the casino is part of a large-scale integrated resort in Colombo.

Melco’s entry into the project followed a 20-year casino license approval by Sri Lankan authorities.

In April 2024, John Keells Holdings and Melco announced their partnership, rebranding the development from Cinnamon Life Integrated Resort to City of Dreams Sri Lanka.

The USD1.2 billion resort has been in development since 2014.

Some sections, including the 687-room Cinnamon Life Hotel, restaurants, and banquet spaces, opened in October 2024. The remaining elements, such as the 113-room Nuwa hotel and the gaming floor, are still under construction.

John Keells Holdings chairperson Krishan Balendra confirmed that work is moving forward smoothly.

“Fit-out works relating to the remainder of the project comprising the 113-key ‘Nuwa’ hotel and gaming operations are progressing well,” he said. Originally slated for a mid-2025 launch, the casino will now debut alongside the resort’s retail mall later in the year.

Melco Resorts has committed USD125 million to the project and anticipates annual gross gaming revenue between USD200 million and USD250 million.

Balendra expressed confidence in the resort’s long-term success, noting strong demand for event spaces and positive customer feedback.

According to the group, 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.” Staff Reporter