John Keells Holdings PLC(JKH) and Melco Resorts & Entertainment (MRE) proudly announces the grand opening of City of Dreams Sri Lanka on 2^ndAugust 2025. This launch marks the completion of the final components of the project, including a world-class casino, the luxurious Nüwa hotel and a premium shopping mall.

The milestone partnership, marks the debut of South Asia’s first fully- integrated resort and Sri Lanka’s largest private sector investment in luxury lifestyle to date – an over USD 1.2 billion development that redefines Colombo’s place on the global tourism map.

Strategically located in the heart of Colombo, the integrated resort brings together world-class hospitality, upscale retail, immersive entertainment, and cutting-edge MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) infrastructure in one dynamic destination.

Key highlights:

• 800 rooms and suites, comprising of a 687-room luxury hotel branded “Cinnamon Life” which was launched in October 2024, and a 113-room ultra-luxury hotel under Melco’s flagship “Nüwa”
• Expansive   to host global business events and conventions.
• A state-of-the-art casino and entertainment zone, operated by Melco, to international luxury gaming standards.
• A curated collection of signature dining experiences involving internationally acclaimed chefs.
• Immersive entertainment spaces for international performances and cultural showcase.

As City of Dreams expands its iconic brand into a vibrant new market, it capitalises on Sri Lanka’s strategic location and the region’s growing tourism demand. By introducing global expertise in luxury hospitality and gaming, the resort is poised to elevate the standard and appeal of Sri Lanka’s tourism offerings. City of Dreams Sri Lanka is more than a resort – it is the epicenter of a new lifestyle movement, where modernity, elegance, and local culture converge. The landmark project sets new benchmarks for luxury, sustainability, and community engagement, redefining the region’s tourism narrative.

• Tourism Catalyst: positioned to drive a surge in international arrivals – particularly from South Asia and theregion, establishing Colombo as a premier MICE destination

• Sustainable Development: designed with environmentally friendly technologies and a strong commitment to local art, culture, and community initiatives, reflecting responsible tourism

Leadership Perspectives:

Krishan Balendra Chairperson of the John Keells Group stated:
““The opening of the casino and Nuwa hotel operated by Melco marks the realisation of a key pillar of City of Dreams Sri Lanka, bringing to fruition the integrated development that was envisioned over a decade ago. This milestone sets a new benchmark in South Asia for world-class lifestyle, entertainment, and retail offerings. With Melco’s globally recognised expertise and

exceptional standards, we believe this unique addition will significantly enhance Colombo’s tourism appeal, drive foreign exchange earnings, and create meaningful employment opportunities. City of Dreams Sri Lanka stands as a bold testament to our confidence in Sri Lanka’s future and our continued commitment to nation-building through transformative investments.”

Lawrence Ho, Chairman and CEO of Melco Resorts & Entertainment, commented:
“We are thrilled to be part of this landmark development in Sri Lanka and to be in partnership with John Keells. We believe Sri Lanka has immense potential, and this opportunity complements our existing portfolio of properties. City of Dreams Sri Lanka is expected to serve as a catalyst for stimulating tourism demand and promoting economic growth in Sri Lanka, drawing inspiration from the successful examples set by similar integrated resorts in other jurisdictions.”

The post City of Dreams Sri Lanka to Launch on 2ndAugust 2025: A Landmark in South Asian Tourism and Luxury appeared first on Newswire.

BYD, a global leader in New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), has commenced its first customer vehicle deliveries in Sri Lanka following the lifting of import restrictions. The first batch of vehicles, imported and distributed by its authorized distributor, John Keells CG Auto (JKCG Auto), was officially handed over to customers at a special event, marking the start of a phased rollout of BYD’s NEV models in the country.

The shipment, which arrived in Sri Lanka on March 14, includes the BYD SEALION 6, BYD ATTO 3, BYD DOLPHIN, and several other models. With demand for sustainable transport solutions growing, this delivery represents a key step in bringing advanced NEV technology to Sri Lankan roads.

Ensuring a Seamless Customer Experience

Speaking on the occasion, Chairperson of John Keells Holdings PLC, Krishan Balendra, said: “We look forward to commencing the first deliveries of BYD vehicles to customers, and in the process, driving Sri Lanka’s accelerated transition into sustainable mobility. These first deliveries mark a culmination in a years-long effort to establish BYD, the world’s leading NEV brand, in Sri Lanka, and serves as an important milestone for our nation’s automotive industry, and for the aspirations for sustainable vehicle ownership for many Sri Lankans. By serving as the link between the world’s leader in NEVs, we also hope to establish Sri Lanka’s NEV transition over the coming years into a global benchmark for sustainable transportation.”

Commitment to Quality and Safety

Before delivery, each vehicle undergoes a comprehensive Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) and quality control process, which includes thorough checks on battery performance, safety systems, software updates, and overall vehicle functionality. This ensures that every car meets BYD’s global standards for reliability, efficiency, and customer satisfaction before being handed over to its owner.

Managing Director of CG Corp Global, Nirvana Chaudhary, commented:” The arrival of BYD vehicles in Sri Lanka is a significant step in making sustainable mobility more accessible to local consumers. As demand grows for smart, energy-efficient transport, we are proud to support the introduction of globally trusted NEV technology to the Sri Lankan market. This launch reflects our commitment to long-term investment in the country’s green mobility landscape and to building a robust foundation for the future of electric transportation in the region.”

With additional shipments expected in the coming months, John Keells CG Auto remains committed to ensuring a smooth transition for customers adopting NEVs while supporting the broader development of Sri Lanka’s green mobility ecosystem.

BYD

BYD is a multinational high-tech company dedicated to leveraging technological innovations for a better life. Founded in 1995 as a rechargeable battery maker, BYD now boasts a diverse business scope covering automobiles, rail transit, new energy, and electronics, with over 30 industrial parks worldwide. From energy generation and storage to its applications, BYD is committed to providing zero-emission energy solutions that reduce global reliance on fossil fuels. Its new energy vehicle footprint covers six continents, over 70 countries and regions, and more than 400 cities. Listed on both the Hong Kong and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges, the company is recognized as a Fortune Global 500 enterprise, pioneering innovations in pursuit of a greener world. For more information, please visit www.bydglobal.com.

JKCG Auto

John Keells CG Auto (Private) Limited is a subsidiary of John Keells Holdings PLC and CG Auto Pte. Ltd., having entered the automotive industry in 2023. JKCG Auto is the authorized distributor of BYD passenger vehicles, parts, and services in Sri Lanka. The company is committed to building customer confidence in New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) and setting new standards while supporting the development of an ecosystem for NEVs in Sri Lanka. For more information, please visit www.johnkeellscgauto.com.

CG Corp Global

CG Corp Global is a multinational conglomerate with a legacy spanning over 140 years, recognized for its diverse portfolio across sectors including hospitality, banking, food & beverage, real estate, and energy. As Nepal’s first billion-dollar multinational, CG Corp Global operates in over 35 countries with more than 160 companies under its umbrella. The group is committed to driving innovation, sustainability, and economic growth across emerging markets. For more information, please visit www.cgcorpglobal.com

The post John Keells CG Auto Begins First BYD Deliveries in Sri Lanka appeared first on Newswire.