City of Dreams Sri Lanka marks its first anniversary on 2^nd August 2026, celebrating a milestone that has reshaped Sri Lanka’s tourism, hospitality and lifestyle landscape. The opening of South Asia’s first fully integrated resort represented one of the country’s most significant tourism developments, introducing an entirely new destination concept that seamlessly brings together luxury accommodation, world-class dining, entertainment, retail and lifestyle experiences within a single integrated resort. Following widespread anticipation ahead of its launch, City of Dreams Sri Lanka has established itself as a vibrant destination that continues to enhance Colombo’s appeal for leisure, business and entertainment.

Throughout its first year, City of Dreams Sri Lanka has established itself as one of the country’s leading lifestyle destinations, welcoming local and international guests through an integrated resort experience unlike any other in Sri Lanka. Large-scale MICE events, international conferences, destination weddings, global entertainment performances and landmark celebrations have transformed the destination into a vibrant hub for business, leisure and social occasions. International chef collaborations, signature restaurant experiences and destination dining concepts have further enriched Colombo’s culinary landscape, while international partnerships have strengthened Sri Lanka’s appeal among regional and international travellers, particularly from India.

Kamal Munasinghe, Senior Vice President, Colombo Hotels, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and General Manager, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka, said, “Our first anniversary represents far more than the passing of a year. It marks the beginning of a destination that has introduced an entirely new lifestyle experience to Sri Lanka while welcoming guests, global partnerships and world-class experiences under one roof. Every event, celebration, culinary collaboration and visitor who has walked through our doors has contributed to building something truly distinctive for the country. We are particularly encouraged by the growing interest from international visitors and regional travellers, alongside the increasing number of destination weddings and major events choosing City of Dreams Sri Lanka. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to building on this momentum and creating even more exceptional experiences in the years ahead.”

The anniversary celebrations will commence with 30% off food and beverages across participating specialty restaurants from 1^st to 9^th August, before continuing with anniversary-inspired set menus from 10^th to 16^th August at Staten Bar & Grill, Bistro des Marées, Yoroko and Sapphire Dragon. Curated by each restaurant’s culinary teams, the menus will showcase signature dishes that celebrate the destination’s diverse culinary offering.

Indiya will bring together two of India’s most celebrated culinary destinations, Indian Accent Mumbai and Ekaa, for an exclusive two-day dining experience on August 7th – 8th, 2026. The guest chef experience will see Executive Chef Rijul Gulati of Indian Accent Mumbai and Chef Niyati Rao, Head Chef and Partner of Ekaa, present specially curated vegetarian and non-vegetarian Chef’s Tasting Menus that celebrate India’s rich culinary heritage through bold innovation, exceptional ingredients and refined technique.

The first anniversary celebrations will continue throughout August with a series of specially curated dining experiences and exclusive offerings across City of Dreams Sri Lanka, bringing together distinctive flavours, memorable moments and experiences created to mark this significant milestone.

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Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala has submitted a complaint to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) regarding the spread of hateful and false statements against him on social media.

He stated that legal action will be taken under civil and criminal law against the individuals who created and circulated the statements via social media.

Recently, social media has circulated claims that Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala purchased a house in a residential complex in the Colombo area.

However, Deputy Minister Watagala clarified in a post on Facebook that this is a completely false and defamatory statement.

He emphasized that he has never engaged in any act that would damage the trust placed in him by his party or the public.

The Deputy Minister further stated that compensation will be claimed under civil law from the individuals identified as responsible for spreading the hateful and false statements. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala on Sunday denied allegations circulating on social media that he had purchased a luxury residence at the Cinnamon Life complex.

Watagala said the claims were false and intended to damage his reputation, adding that all his assets and liabilities have been properly declared in his official asset disclosures.

“These fabrications are part of a coordinated smear campaign,” Watagala said in a statement. He linked the timing of the campaign to his recent efforts to expose drug trafficking networks and those allegedly connected to them.

He said steps were being taken to file a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and that legal proceedings would be initiated under civil law to seek damages against those responsible for the false information.

Watagala also emphasized that while he supports the right to free expression, it must not be used to disseminate harmful or baseless accusations. (Newswire)

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City of Dreams Sri Lanka, the first integrated resort in South Asia, has announced that its official launch on 2nd August 2025 is strictly by invitation only.

Issuing a statement, City of Dreams Sri Lanka said it has been notified of unauthorized tickets being circulated for the grand opening.

“We would like to clarify that this event is strictly by invitation only, and no third parties are authorized to issue, distribute, or sell tickets. We strongly advise everyone to exercise caution and avoid engaging with unofficial sources,” the statement said. 

The highly anticipated resort, previously known as Cinnamon Life Integrated Resort, has been renamed ‘City of Dreams Sri Lanka’ as John Keells Holdings (JKH) entered a partnership with global casino operator Melco Resorts and Entertainment Limited to operate a casino at the billion-dollar integrated resort in Colombo.

King of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan, is set to visit Sri Lanka to grace the grand opening of City of Dreams Sri Lanka as a special guest.

The launch of City of Dreams Sri Lanka marks the completion of the final components of the project, including a world-class casino, the luxurious Nüwa hotel and a premium shopping mall. (Newswire)

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John Keells Holdings (JKH) has entered a partnership with global casino operator Melco Resorts and Entertainment Limited to operate a casino at its billion-dollar integrated resort in Colombo.

The estimated initial investment in the casino is expected to be approximately US$125 million.

The highly anticipated resort, previously known as Cinnamon Life Integrated Resort, will be renamed ‘City of Dreams Sri Lanka’. This branding aligns with other Melco properties in locations such as Macau, the Philippines, and Cyprus, Melco said in a statement.

The government has granted a 20-year casino license to a fully-owned subsidiary of Melco in Sri Lanka. Within the resort, Melco will manage a 113-room luxury hotel under its Nuwa brand, while a 687-room Cinnamon hotel will also be operational.

City of Dreams Sri Lanka will be the first integrated resort in Sri Lanka and South Asia, expected to revolutionize luxury hospitality and entertainment in the region. (Newswire)

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