Melco confirms Q3 2025 launch for City of Dreams Sri Lanka Casino
Melco International Development Ltd has reaffirmed that its City of Dreams Sri Lanka casino will open in the third quarter of 2025. The announcement was made by Chairman and CEO Lawrence Ho Yau Lung in the company’s 2024 annual report. The Colombo-based integrated resort is part of a US$1 billion project developed by John Keells Holdings and represents a major regional expansion for Melco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd.
Melco’s first entry into South Asia
City of Dreams Sri Lanka marks Melco Resorts’ first casino project in South Asia. The Hong Kong-listed Melco International is the parent of Nasdaq-listed Melco Resorts, which will operate both the hotel and gaming facilities. The group has committed US$125 million specifically for the casino component of the resort.
The company currently runs large-scale integrated resorts in Macau, the Philippines, and Cyprus.
Strategic diversification and global growth
The Sri Lanka venture is part of Melco’s plan to diversify its revenue sources and reduce reliance on Macau. Despite slow recovery in some Asian tourism markets, the group views Sri Lanka as a strong candidate for year-round tourism, driven by cultural attractions and improved connectivity.
Lawrence Ho stated, “Beyond Macau, we look forward to the opening of the casino at City of Dreams Sri Lanka, which is on track to open in the third quarter of 2025. This transformative project represents a capital-light investment with an attractive return profile, allowing us to extend the City of Dreams brand and broaden our customer base.”
Broad entertainment offering beyond gaming
While the casino will be a central attraction, Melco clarified that gaming will form only part of the resort’s wider entertainment offering. The development includes luxury accommodations, dining venues, retail spaces, and lifestyle attractions designed to appeal to a broad visitor base.
The company aims to create a premium destination that enhances Colombo’s position as a tourism and entertainment hub. The integrated resort model has been successful in other markets, and Melco hopes to replicate that model in Sri Lanka with local adaptations.
Supporting Sri Lanka’s tourism ambitions
Melco’s investment arrives as Sri Lanka seeks to rebuild its tourism industry and attract more international visitors. The City of Dreams resort is expected to create jobs, boost hospitality revenues, and drive infrastructure development in Colombo.
