The largest private development project in the history of Sri Lanka, "Cinnamon Life Integrated Resort," is set to officially open on August 2, 2025. Located in the heart of the capital, Colombo, this integrated resort involves an investment of over 1.2 billion USD. It is a joint venture between Sri Lanka's local enterprise John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH) and the Macau gaming giant Melco Resorts & Entertainment (MRE). It is not only Sri Lanka's first world-class casino project but also aims to be South Asia's premier flagship resort destination integrating luxury, entertainment, and business.
"Cinnamon Life" will feature high-end hotels, international retail, a convention center, dining, and top-tier entertainment venues. Key facilities include:
A total of 800 rooms, including the already opened Cinnamon Life Hotel (687 rooms) in 2024 and the ultra-luxury brand Nüwa by Melco (113 rooms);
An international standard casino operated by Melco Resorts, catering to high-end global players;
A convention and exhibition center (MICE), a performance theater, and immersive cultural and entertainment spaces;
Several starred restaurants and food courts offering global cuisines.
The project is touted as the "Las Vegas" of South Asia and is expected to transform the urban landscape of Colombo, boosting employment, tourism, and investment, and opening doors to the global gaming and entertainment market for Sri Lanka. As the gaming landscape in Southeast Asia rapidly restructures, Colombo's potential rise in regional competition is worth continuous observation.