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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Jetwing Hotels announced that 24of their hotels have been recognized by TripAdvisor as 2026 Travellers’ Choice award winners, garnering the highest number of honours for a hotel group in Sri Lanka.

Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award winners are among the top 10% of listings around the world on Tripadvisor. As the world’s largest travel guidance platform, Tripadvisor has unparalleled authority with travelers and diners. This award is based on genuine feedback from anyone in the community who has visited and left an authentic, first-hand review on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period, making it a valuable and trustworthy designation of travelers’ favorites.

Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions, Jetwing Beach, Jetwing Blue, Jetwing Colombo Seven, Jetwing Jaffna, Jetwing Kaduruketha, Jetwing Kandy Gallery, Jetwing Lagoon Wellness, Jetwing Lake, Jetwing Lighthouse, Jetwing Jungle Lodge, Jetwing Sea, Jetwing St. Andrew’s, Jetwing Surf & Safari, Jetwing Vil Uyana, Jetwing Yala, Jetwing Saman Villas, Jetwing Kurulubedda, Jetwing Thalahena Villa, Jetwing Warwick Gardens, Jetwing Broomfield Bungalow, Jetwing Oatlands Bungalow, Xavier’s Cottage, have all been recognized for their excellent service by TripAdvisor travellers. In addition, Mermaid Hotel and Club received the coveted Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best award, placing it in the top 1% of listings globally. This distinction highlights the highest-rated destinations, accommodations, and experiences as reviewed by the Tripadvisor community.This award is based on genuine feedback from anyone in the community who has visited and left an authentic, first-hand review on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period, making it a valuable and trustworthy designation of travellers’ favorites.

Dmitri Cooray, Managing Director of Jetwing Hotels, stated, “We are proud to have 24 of our properties recognised in the 2026 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, with Mermaid Hotel and Club being named ‘Best of the Best.’ This recognition reflects our unwavering focus on delivering heartfelt service and authentic Sri Lankan hospitality. Guest feedback plays a vital role in inspiring our teams and guiding our continuous improvement. I extend my sincere thanks to our teams across the island for their dedication, which remains central to our success as we continue to deliver exceptional guest experiences.”

“Congratulations to Jetwing Hotels on its recognition in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2026,” said Matt Dacey, Chief Marketing Officer, Tripadvisor. “Ranking among the top percentage of businesses globally means you have made such a memorable impact on your visitors that many of them took time to go online and leave a glowing review about their experience. We hope this recognition continues to drive business to you in 2026 and beyond.”

About Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor, the world’s largest travel guidance platform*, helps millions of people each month** become better travelers, from planning to booking to taking a trip. Travelers across the globe use the Tripadvisor site and app to discover where to stay, what to do and where to eat based on guidance from those who have been there before. With more than 1 billion reviews and contributions, travelers turn to Tripadvisor to find deals on accommodations, book experiences, reserve tables at delicious restaurants and discover great places nearby.

With a legacy spanning over half a century in the tourism industry, Jetwing Hotels has established itself as a pioneer in curating unique experiences and offering the best of legendary Sri Lankan hospitality, with the values of passion, humility, tenacity, and the spirit of family being at its core. As a family-owned brand, Jetwing Hotels continues to be a leading advocate for sustainability and responsible tourism, with ongoing initiatives focused on community upliftment, environmental conservation, and resource efficiency. With over 35 properties across the island, the brand’s diverse portfolio includes a range of Luxury Reserves, Premium Hotels, Select Hotels, and Essentials, each offering a unique perspective on Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

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Jetwing Hotels continues to celebrate Sri Lanka’s rich architectural heritage through Jetwing Wahawa Walauwa, an exclusive all-suite boutique villa in Rambukkana that seamlessly blends the grandeur of a 19th-century aristocratic mansion with contemporary luxury and personalised hospitality.

Originally built in the 1870s, the historic walauwa has been meticulously restored to preserve its unique architectural character while providing guests with a refined boutique accommodation experience. The property reflects the elegance traditionally associated with Sri Lankan walauwas, featuring grand entrances, intricate woodwork, antique-inspired furnishings, and carefully curated artwork that pays tribute to the country’s rich cultural heritage.

The boutique villa comprises four grand suites and two junior suites, each thoughtfully designed to offer privacy, comfort, and sophistication. Every suite features handcrafted four-poster beds, spacious bathrooms with luxurious bathtubs, and modern amenities that complement the property’s timeless charm. Dedicated personal butler service further enhances the guest experience by providing attentive, personalised hospitality throughout every stay.

Nestled within a tranquil coconut estate in Wahawa, Rambukkana, the property offers an idyllic countryside retreat approximately two-and-a-half hours from Colombo and one-and-a-half hours from Kandy. Surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and a spacious swimming pool, the villa provides guests with a peaceful environment to relax while enjoying the region’s natural beauty and abundant birdlife.

Beyond the property itself, the surrounding area offers visitors a variety of authentic Sri Lankan experiences. Guests can explore scenic hiking trails through lush landscapes, visit ancient temples and the historic Balana Fort, or discover the traditions of nearby villages through local crafts and cultural encounters. One of the highlights of the region is the spectacular railway journey between Rambukkana and Kadugannawa, widely regarded as one of the most scenic sections of the Colombo – Kandy railway line, offering breathtaking views of Bible Rock and the surrounding valleys. Railway enthusiasts can also visit the National Railway Museum at Kadugannawa to learn about the history of one of Asia’s oldest railway networks.

Dining at Jetwing WahawaWalauwa is designed to be a memorable part of the guest experience, with gourmet cuisine served in an elegant open-air dining pavilion overlooking the gardens and pool.

With a legacy spanning more than five decades, Jetwing Hotels continues to champion heritage conservation, sustainable tourism, and authentic Sri Lankan hospitality. Through properties such as Jetwing Wahawa Walauwa, the company remains committed to preserving the country’s architectural legacy while creating distinctive travel experiences that showcase the culture, history, and natural beauty of Sri Lanka.

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ITC Ratnadipa Colombo has appointed international hospitality professional Rahul Pavithran as Head of Sales & Marketing in a strategic move to strengthen the hotel’s market position. A seasoned professional, Rahul possesses over 17 years of experience in hospitality sales and marketing, demonstrating a proven ability to drive revenue growth, enhance brand presence, and expand market reach. In his new role, he will further strengthen the hotel’s efforts to capitalise on emerging opportunities within Sri Lanka’s competitive luxury hospitality sector.

Prior to joining ITC Ratnadipa, Rahul served as Director of Sales at JW Marriott New Delhi, Aerocity, where he managed all sales operations, including corporate accounts, MICE, weddings, and events etc. Under his leadership, the business achieved record-high revenue, demonstrating his strong capability to drive growth across diverse segments. His career also includes senior leadership roles at renowned luxury hotels, including Grand Hyatt Gurgaon, Fairmont Jaipur, The Leela Palace Bengaluru, and Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty.

Commenting on the appointment, Sujeet Kumar, General Manager of ITC Ratnadipa Colombo, stated, “We are pleased to welcome Rahul to our team. His extensive experience and proven track record in hospitality sales and marketing will be invaluable as we continue to grow and strengthen ITC Ratnadipa’s position in the market. We look forward to the fresh perspectives and leadership he brings to the establishment.”

Rahul’s exceptional contributions have been recognised with several accolades, including the prestigious Wall of Fame Award at The Taj.He earned a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management from the Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration, established by the ITC Hotels Limited, and continues to leverage his extensive industry knowledge to set new benchmarks in hospitality sales excellence.

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