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03/08/2025

City of Dreams, Sri Lanka’s largest investment and South Asia’s first integrated resort opened its doors in Colombo in grand style.

Positioned at the crossroads of modern luxury and local artistry, City of Dreams Sri Lanka (COD SL), is a living showcase of Sri Lankan ambition, creativity and global vision.

City of Dreams, Sri Lanka’s largest investment and South Asia’s first integrated resort opened its doors in Colombo in g...
03/08/2025

City of Dreams, Sri Lanka’s largest investment and South Asia’s first integrated resort opened its doors in Colombo in grand style.

Positioned at the crossroads of modern luxury and local artistry, City of Dreams Sri Lanka (COD SL), is a living showcase of Sri Lankan ambition, creativity and global vision.

The transformative destination set to redefine the skyline, economy and future of Sri Lanka is the proud product of John Keells Holdings and Melco Resorts & Entertainment (Melco). It is where innovation, opportunity and national pride, converge to shape a modern and globally admired Sri Lanka.

“This is a defining moment for Sri Lanka,” said Krishan Balendra, Chairperson of the John\ Keells Group.

“City of Dreams is the largest private investment in our country’s history—an ambitious national vision brought to life. More than a development, it is a world-class destination designed to catalyse economic growth, elevate our global profile, and help shape a modern, forward-looking Sri Lanka that inspires generations to come.”

Lawrence Ho, Chairman and CEO of Melco Resorts & Entertainment stated, “We are honored to partner with John Keells Group on this visionary project. City of Dreams Sri Lanka reflects a remarkable collaboration, combining Melco’s expertise with the warmth and culture of Sri Lanka.

“Through our role in operating NÜWA and the entertainment and gaming offerings, we are proud to contribute to a destination that celebrates Sri Lanka’s unique identity while setting new standards for luxury and hospitality in South Asia.”

Behind COD SL’s gleaming façade lies a story of collaboration and craftsmanship. Over the last year, more than 500 local artisans, hospitality professionals, and creatives, partnered with international designers and Melco’s global experts to bring this vision to life. From hand-carved interiors to curated art pieces, the resort is a canvas of Sri Lankan talent elevated for the world stage.

The opening event brought together acclaimed international and local artistes, immersive multimedia installations, and culinary showcases, reflecting the integrated resort’s promise to create moments that are as inspiring as they are unforgettable.

A New Chapter for Colombo

City of Dreams Sri Lanka is not just a luxury opening—it represents a symbol of resilience and renewal. As Colombo evolves into a vibrant, urban tourism hub, City of Dreams Sri Lanka is set to lead the way by hosting marquee events, attracting high-value travelers, and fostering a thriving ecosystem of local businesses.

City of Dreams Sri Lanka is the region’s first fully integrated resort, offering an ecosystem of experiences under one roof. This includes:

 Two landmark hotels: Cinnamon Life @ City of Dreams (687 rooms) and NUWA @ City of Dreams (113 ultra-luxury rooms).

 A state-of-the-art casino and entertainment zone, operated by Melco, to international standards and governance

 Seventeen signature restaurants and bars curated by globally acclaimed chefs, introducing innovative menus inspired by Sri Lanka’s vibrant culinary heritage.

 Luxury retail promenade featuring designer brands alongside artisanal Sri Lankan boutiques.

 Expansive event and MICE facilities with state-of-the-art technology, redefining Colombo as a destination for conferences, exhibitions, and cultural festivals.

 Residences and Offices are also a part of the COD SL.

02/08/2025

Video: Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan arrived in Sri Lanka for the much anticipated launch event of City of Dreams Sri Lanka.

The star arrived in Sri Lanka in a private jet and was driven to Colombo under tight security.

Roshan told reporters he was excited to be in Sri Lanka once again.

Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan arrived in Sri Lanka for the much anticipated launch event of City of Dreams Sri Lanka.The...
02/08/2025

Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan arrived in Sri Lanka for the much anticipated launch event of City of Dreams Sri Lanka.

The star arrived in Sri Lanka in a private jet and was driven to Colombo under tight security.

Roshan told reporters he was excited to be in Sri Lanka once again.

In celebration of Mrs. Nobuko Munidasa’s 80th birthday, a special Ikebana Exhibition will be held at The Mall at Port Ci...
02/08/2025

In celebration of Mrs. Nobuko Munidasa’s 80th birthday, a special Ikebana Exhibition will be held at The Mall at Port City foyer on the 13th of August 2025. Open to the public from 10AM to 8PM, with no tickets required, the exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the lifelong journey of a Master in one of Japan’s most revered art forms.

Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement, is a philosophical practice rooted in balance, line, and space. Far beyond simple floral decoration, it is an art that reflects mindfulness and harmony with nature. Mrs. Munidasa began studying Ikebana at the age of 12, and by 19, she was awarded the prestigious title of Master in the Ohara School of Ikebana, one of Japan’s most innovative and globally recognized schools.

Having moved to Sri Lanka in the early 1980s, Mrs. Munidasa began introducing the island to the elegance of Ikebana through exhibitions and personal instruction. Her influence was not only artistic but cultural as she played a vital role in cultivating a bridge between Japan and Sri Lanka. The grace and precision of Ikebana have since become embedded in her family’s broader cultural expression.

This influence would ultimately extend to the culinary world through her son, Chef Dharshan Munidasa, who credits his Japanese heritage as foundational to the creation of Nihonbashi,
one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated Japanese restaurants.

Nihonbashi, named after “Japan Bridge,” embodies the very ethos of cultural connection that Mrs. Munidasa has long championed.
The upcoming exhibition not only honours her 80th birthday but also pays tribute to a legacy that quietly, but powerfully, shaped one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic cross-cultural institutions.

Sri Lanka’s first integrated resort, set for August 2nd 2025, the destination’s premium retail component, The Shoppes at...
02/08/2025

Sri Lanka’s first integrated resort, set for August 2nd 2025, the destination’s premium retail component, The Shoppes at City of Dreams, officially opened its doors on August 1st. Operated by John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH), it brings a curated luxury retail experience to the heart of Colombo’s newest lifestyle hub.

The Shoppes will be open to the public from August 3rd onwards, following the grand opening of City of Dreams on August 2nd. At this initial stage, only the 7th floor of the high end retail complex will be accessible, offering a curated mix of premium lifestyle outlets. This includes a range of fine jewellery and accessory stores such as Sifani Jewellers, Esna Jewellery, Common Wealth Gem Company, Heritage Sapphires, Zam Gems, and Chatham Luxury Watches.

In addition to this, the 7th floor also features a selection of other retail and lifestyle brands, including the tLounge & Bar by Dilmah, Spa Ceylon, Pintanna Oud, Infinity, and Vision Care. HNB will also be opening a flagship branch on this level, offering banking services. The Shoppes will continue its phased opening, with the 8th floor set to welcome visitors in September 2025.

Designed to complement the wider offerings of City of Dreams, The Shoppes adds a premium retail layer to the resort’s mix of hospitality, entertainment and leisure. This includes the flagship lifestyle resort within City of Dreams, Cinnamon Life, the Nüwa ultra-luxury hotel, an international-standard casino, expansive MICE facilities and a range of dining and cultural experiences.

Director of Mall Management, The Shoppes at City of Dreams, Romesh Jayawardene remarked:
“The Shoppes is envisioned as a premium retail experience that complements the transformation taking place within Colombo’s hospitality and leisure landscape. As part of City of Dreams, it contributes to creating a destination where luxury, entertainment, and lifestyle come together in one integrated setting.”

Adhitya Ayurveda Colombo proudly celebrates its second anniversary, cementing its position as Sri Lanka's leading authen...
02/08/2025

Adhitya Ayurveda Colombo proudly celebrates its second anniversary, cementing its position as Sri Lanka's leading authentic Ayurvedic wellness destination. Since opening its doors, the luxury wellness center has served over 1,000 plus clients this year alone, establishing itself as a pioneer in bridging ancient Ayurvedic wisdom with modern luxury wellness experiences.

Speaking of the anniversary, Mr. Yasas Gunawardhana, Director, Adhitya Ayurveda stated: “This two-year milestone is truly an accolade for us as we celebrate Adhitya Ayurveda Colombo. Our core focus has always been in healing people, and our entire business revolves around this principle. We want Adhitya to be the destination people turn to for healing and our team remains dedicated this, continuously adding value through every customer's journey. Looking to the future, we are excited to be launching new treatments soon, including more activities targeting towards inner healing.”

Located in the heart of Colombo, Adhitya Ayurveda represents a remarkable expansion from its flagship Anuradhapura location, bringing sophisticated, personalized holistic wellness to urban Sri Lanka. The center has successfully created a refined sanctuary where traditional healing practices seamlessly blend with contemporary comforts, guided by expert Ayurvedic physicians and therapists with more than 40 years of combined experience.
Intensely focused on individuals, each wellness journey is meticulously curated to meet specific needs and health goals. By combining the ancient science of Ayurveda with traditional Sri Lankan medicine of Hela Wedakama, Adhitya offers a truly unique and effective treatment programme that rebalances and rejuvenates mind and body. Beyond just recovery, clients experience rejuvenation through this holistic healing approach that significantly improves overall wellbeing. Under the leadership of expert practitioners, Adhitya Ayurveda Colombo has developed these curated wellness journeys that span from preventive care to therapeutic healing, each designed to restore inner balance and vitality. The center's approach has revolutionized how modern Sri Lankans access authentic Ayurvedic treatments without compromising on luxury or convenience.

Signature treatments include specialized wellness products Niroga, Nivārana, and Sandhi Shakthi, alongside innovative daily wellness rituals. The Healing Table provides nutritious, therapeutically designed meals, while Breakfast Rituals offer morning wellness practices. SereniTea Saturdays have become a popular weekly wellness tradition, introducing the community to the therapeutic benefits of Ayurvedic herbal teas.

A significant milestone in Adhitya's journey has been its key partnership with Momager, addressing the specialized wellness needs of mothers during the postpartum period. This collaboration demonstrates the center's commitment to providing targeted, comprehensive care for different life stages and health requirements.

Dr. Nathalia Weerawardhana, Senior Manager at Adhitya Ayurveda, emphasized their unique approach: " We are deeply grateful to all our team members, customers, and partners who are celebrating this journey with us. What makes us truly unique is how we customize each treatment based on individual customer needs. Our expert physicians provide comprehensive wellness journeys that restore balance by seamlessly blending traditional practices with contemporary luxury. We truly welcome everyone to visit our centre to discover how we can improve your life.”

Adhitya Ayurveda Colombo continues to celebrate Ayurvedic excellence, setting new standards in authentic Ayurvedic practice while maintaining the highest levels of luxury and service. The success of the Colombo center reflects a growing demand for genuine wellness solutions in urban environments, positioning Adhitya Ayurveda as a leader in the evolving wellness tourism sector in Sri Lanka. Guided by expert physicians and therapists, Adhitya provides comprehensive wellness journeys designed to restore balance and vitality through the seamless integration of traditional practices with contemporary luxury.

Visit No 82 Dharmapala Mawatha, Colombo 3 to book a consultation.

In a landmark moment for Sri Lanka’s tourism and hospitality industry, NÜWA, the internationally acclaimed luxury hotel ...
02/08/2025

In a landmark moment for Sri Lanka’s tourism and hospitality industry, NÜWA, the internationally acclaimed luxury hotel brand by Melco Resorts & Entertainment, officially opens its doors at the prestigious City of Dreams Sri Lanka.

This grand launch is the result of a powerful partnership between Melco, a renowned developer, owner and operator of integrated resort facilities in Asia and Europe, and John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH), Sri Lanka’s largest listed conglomerate, and marks a defining step in positioning the island as South Asia’s most aspirational luxury destination.

First introduced in Macau and Manila in 2018, NÜWA represents Melco’s highest standard of refinement—merging sophistication, innovation, and cultural grace. Now in Colombo, NÜWA brings its signature experience to South Asia, inspired by the mythical Chinese goddess who shaped humanity. The property blends contemporary elegance with Sri Lankan heritage, offering guests a deeply personalized and elevated escape.

Located within the transformative City of Dreams Sri Lanka development, NÜWA features 113 luxurious rooms, including Oceanfront and Cityscape Deluxe Rooms, Premium and Executive Suites, and the exclusive Presidential and Dragon Suites. Every space has been designed to reflect relaxed opulence, with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean and Colombo skyline.

Guests will also enjoy curated dining and lifestyle experiences at restaurants and bars including The Vault, a sophisticated private lounge; The Crystal Lounge, serving gourmet Western cuisine and handcrafted beverages; and the Pool Bar, offering jazz, signature drinks, and panoramic cityscapes. For those in the highest-tier suites, bespoke in-room dining adds another layer of personalized indulgence. NÜWA also features Italian-crafted amenities by La Bottega and eco-conscious dry amenities, reinforcing its commitment to luxury and sustainability.

Part of a broader vision by Melco and JKH, City of Dreams Sri Lanka spans 4.5 million square feet and represents a USD 1.3 billion investment—the largest private-sector investment in Sri Lankan history. The integrated resort includes luxury residential towers, a 30-storey office tower, high-end retail, and South Asia’s most sophisticated casino. The development is expected to generate over 20,000 jobs, directly and indirectly, while revitalizing Colombo as a business, entertainment, and tourism hub.

The launch of NÜWA signals renewed confidence in Sri Lanka’s tourism resurgence. With JKH’s deep-rooted local leadership and Melco’s international excellence in integrated resort operations, City of Dreams Sri Lanka is poised to redefine hospitality in the region. It stands not just as a landmark development, but also as a symbol of what is possible when global luxury meets Sri Lankan spirit.

For more information on the exclusive property, please visit www.cityofdreamssrilanka.com//en/stay/nuwa

In celebration of Swiss National Day and five decades of fine dining heritage, Cinnamon Grand Colombo proudly presents “...
02/08/2025

In celebration of Swiss National Day and five decades of fine dining heritage, Cinnamon Grand Colombo proudly presents “A Taste of Switzerland at London Grill”, a special culinary showcase from 1st to 9th August 2025 at the iconic London Grill restaurant.

This exclusive promotion promises an immersive gastronomic journey through Switzerland, featuring a specially curated à la carte menu by Chef Florian Ge**er, a certified gastronomy chef from Switzerland. Chef Ge**er will collaborate with Cluster Executive Chef Kapila Jayasinghe to deliver an authentic and refined Swiss dining experience, honouring the legacy of the London Grill, Colombo’s most enduring fine dining institution.

The event has been thoughtfully designed to commemorate Switzerland’s National Day while paying tribute to 50 years of culinary mastery at London Grill. The partnership with Chef Florian offers guests a rare opportunity to indulge in time-honoured Swiss flavours prepared with traditional techniques and ingredients.

The highlights of the menu include:

 Zürich-style Sliced Veal with Rösti – Tender veal strips in a creamy white wine sauce, paired with crisp potato rösti.
 Grisons Barley Soup – A hearty, comforting soup perfect for evoking the warmth of Swiss alpine kitchens.
 Zuger Kirschtorte – A delightful cherry-infused layered dessert made with nut meringue, sponge cake, and kirsch buttercream.
 Birnbrot – A rustic pastry filled with dried pears, nuts, and aromatic spices.
 Vaudois Sausage with Creamy Leeks and Potatoes and Alpine Pasta in White Wine Sauce – Celebrating the regional diversity of Swiss cuisine.

To further enhance the experience, each guest will receive a complimentary Swiss chocolate and be entered into an exciting raffle draw. One fortunate diner will win a return air ticket from Colombo to Zurich, adding a sense of adventure to this unforgettable culinary celebration.

The Swiss à la carte menu will be served nightly from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM at the London Grill. With limited seating available, advance reservations are highly recommended.

For Reservations & Enquiries, call 011 243 7437 or 076 560 4972 (WhatsApp)

Join us as we honour the flavours of Switzerland and mark a remarkable 50-year journey of culinary excellence at the London Grill, where tradition meets timeless taste.

Singers Diana King and Kevin Lyttle arrived in Colombo for the launch party of City of Dreams Sri Lanka.They will be per...
01/08/2025

Singers Diana King and Kevin Lyttle arrived in Colombo for the launch party of City of Dreams Sri Lanka.

They will be performing at City of Dreams on 3 August.

28/07/2025

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya noted the importance of tourism and hospitality in Sri Lanka.

She also noted that since 2011, when Sri Lanka first sent its culinary ambassadors to the global stage, the journey has been marked by dedication, vision, and a strong belief in the country's potential.

Amarasuriya made these remarks while addressing the Sirha Bocuse d'Or Sri Lanka 2025 awarding ceremony, held at the Cinnamon Life Hotel, Colombo.

"For Sri Lanka, our participation in this global journey is about more than culinary prestige. It is about placing ourselves at the heart of an international conversation. A conversation about creativity, craft, and cultural expression. Since 2011, when we first sent our culinary ambassadors to the global stage, our journey has been marked by dedication, vision, and a strong belief in our potential," she said.

The Prime Minister said that Sri Lanka's presence on this platform is not incidental but it reflects the progress of Sri Lanka hospitality industry, culinary education, and national ambition.

"Tourism and hospitality in Sri Lanka are not only important economic sectors. They are also powerful expressions of who we are. Each memorable dining experience, whether served in a luxury hotel or a humble local eatery, represents our identity, builds global reputation, and creates meaningful connections between people and cultures," she added.

For Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister said, Bocuse d'Or is both a reflection and a guide and shows how far Sri Lanka has come and helps shape the path ahead.

"Our participation has raised standards, promoted global ambition, and encouraged a spirit of excellence among a new generation of Sri Lankan hospitality professionals," she added.

The Prime Minister was especially pleased to see so many women chefs participating in a field that has traditionally been male dominated.

"It is encouraging to witness strong female leadership emerging in Sri Lanka's culinary sector."

During the ceremony, the Gold Award was presented to Cinnamon Life Hotel, the Silver Medal was awarded to Shangri-La Hotel, and the Bronze Medal went to Sheraton Hotel Colombo.

The event was attended by members of the culinary community and other distinguished guests.

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