LNP – John Keells Group unveils $ 1.2 b Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka today

• Describes iconic project as a game changer for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, catering to diverse clientele
• Encompasses 687 luxurious rooms comprising range of ballrooms and banquet facilities, including 5,000-seat exhibition centre
• Announces shopping mall and entertainment areas, including gaming facility and 113-key ultra-luxury ‘Nuwa’ hotel, scheduled to open mid-2025
• States once all components are in full operation, expected to generate over 20,000 direct and indirect employment and community engagement opportunities

In a move that promises to reshape Sri Lanka’s tourism landscape, John Keells Group will officially launch Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka – a landmark $ 1.2 billion development.

Billed as the largest private investment in the country’s history, the ambitious project aims to redefine Sri Lanka’s tourism landscape, catering to a diverse clientele, creating South Asia’s most dynamic destination for business, leisure, and entertainment.



Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka will encompass 687 luxurious rooms, and offers multiple entertainment venues, including ballrooms and high-tech event and conference facilities, with the capacity to host over 5,000 guests in multiple locations across its various unique spaces. 

This makes Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka the largest event venue in Colombo, setting a new standard for gatherings and hosting international conferences and large-scale events, positioning Colombo as a premier destination for global MICE travel.

With a dedicated team of over 1,500 professionals, including 250 chefs, Cinnamon Life promises an extraordinary culinary journey. Guests can enjoy diverse dining options, from a chic French bistro to an American grill, and the most extensive selection of wines at the exclusive wine bar, complemented by a sophisticated two-tier Champagne and cocktail bar. Over the coming few months, Cinnamon Life will continue to elevate its culinary landscape with the opening of more dining experiences. 

In addition, the resort’s diverse spaces and picturesque settings make it an ideal location for destination weddings and events right in the City, offering a unique blend of modern elegance and local charm for those seeking unforgettable experiences and celebrations.

While Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka opens today, the shopping mall and entertainment areas, including the gaming facility and the 113-key ultra-luxury ‘Nuwa’ hotel, are scheduled to open in mid-2025, marking the final phase of this landmark project.

John Keells Group Chairperson Krishan Balendra described the project as transformational for the Group and the country. “‘City of Dreams Sri Lanka’ is an iconic project that was conceived over a decade ago; a one-of-a-kind venture that will undoubtedly convert Colombo into a preferred destination for leisure and entertainment in the region, offering best-in-class lifestyle, shopping, and entertainment spaces. The Group is confident that the convergence of all elements in the launch of ‘City of Dreams Sri Lanka’ will unlock its full potential as a transformative development in South Asia and be a catalyst in creating tourism demand, foreign exchange earnings for Sri Lanka, and generating employment. The ‘City of Dreams Sri Lanka’ project, once all components are in full operation, is expected to generate over 20,000 direct and indirect employment and community engagement opportunities. This landmark development is part of the Group’s broader strategy to position Sri Lanka as a leader in the regional and global marketplace. By pioneering large-scale projects such as Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka, John Keells reinforces its commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth.”

Strategically located in the heart of Colombo’s evolving urban core, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka houses a living gallery of over 1,000 commissioned, museum-grade artworks crafted by renowned Sri Lankan artists. This collection not only reflects the diversity and depth of Sri Lankan art but serves as a testament to celebrating and preserving artistic heritage in a contemporary setting.

More than just a place to stay, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka aspires to become Colombo’s pulse, offering a dynamic space for entertainment, art, music, fashion, and culinary exploration. It is set to be a destination where both locals and visitors can experience the finest the city has to offer with exceptional service, as guests are welcome from today onwards. 

The highly anticipated luxury development by John Keells Group (JKH), opens its doors today for a soft launch, marking a historic moment in Colombo’s evolving skyline. 

Designed by the visionary Cecil Balmond, the structure—first imagined through fluid lines sketched on tissue paper—has become an iconic testament to architectural innovation.