Today, October 15, 2024, marks a milestone for Sri Lanka as the John Keells Group opens the doors to Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, the country’s largest and most ambitious private investment. Developed with an investment of over USD 1.2 billion, this transformative project is set to redefine Sri Lanka’s tourism landscape, positioning Colombo as South Asia’s most dynamic destination for business, leisure, and entertainment.
A Destination for World-Class Events
Cinnamon Life offers an unparalleled experience with 687 luxurious rooms and multiple entertainment venues. Among its standout features is its state-of-the-art event and conference facilities, with a capacity to host over 5,000 guests, making it the largest event venue in Colombo. These spaces are poised to attract international conferences and large-scale events, positioning Colombo as a premier destination for global MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) travel.
Culinary Excellence and Unmatched Hospitality
Employing a team of over 1,500 professionals, including 250 chefs, Cinnamon Life promises an extraordinary culinary journey. The resort offers a variety of dining experiences that will continue to expand in the coming months, ensuring guests can indulge in a diverse array of global cuisines.
Ideal for Destination Weddings and Events
With its picturesque settings and unique spaces, Cinnamon Life is set to become a sought-after venue for destination weddings and other special events right in the heart of Colombo.
A Visionary Project for Sri Lanka’s Future
Krishan Balendra, Chairperson of John Keells Group, hailed the project as transformational for both 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.”
Balendra expressed confidence that the project will serve as a catalyst for tourism, foreign exchange earnings, and employment. Once fully operational, Cinnamon Life is expected to generate over 20,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities, benefitting the local economy and fostering community engagement.
A Living Gallery of Art and Future Developments
In addition to its luxury accommodations and event spaces, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams features over 1,000 museum-grade artworks commissioned from renowned Sri Lankan artists, creating a living gallery that showcases the nation’s rich cultural heritage.
While the hotel and entertainment areas open today, other components of the project, including a shopping mall, gaming facility, and the ultra-luxury Nuwa Hotel with 113 rooms, are slated to open by mid-2025, marking the final phase of this landmark project.
A New Chapter for Sri Lankan Tourism
As Sri Lanka emerges from challenging economic times, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams stands as a beacon of hope and growth. With its vast offerings in hospitality, entertainment, and business, it is set to propel Sri Lanka into the spotlight as a premier global tourism destination, contributing significantly to the nation’s economic resurgence.
This grand opening is not just an achievement for John Keells Group but for Sri Lanka as a whole, paving the way for a brighter, more prosperous future in the tourism and entertainment sectors.
Management Profiles
Mikael Svensson – CEO
His uncompromised understanding of financial plans and the ability to communicate in simple scenarios to individuals at all levels within any multicultural organisation, lends a hand to professional development across the organisation and sparks ideas that make the Cinnamon Group stand out in rapidly evolving markets.
Hishan Singhawansa – Deputy CEO & Chief Operating Officer
With a career spanning 15 years at corporate giants of the Sri Lankan market, his understanding of the landscape on the island is unrivalled. Hishan is responsible for bringing people and capital together to support the company’s growth objectives by moving Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ operations through a journey of emotional hospitality, curated experiences and empowering community development.
Alessandro Aldo Cabella – Senior Vice President
He’s a master at identifying new opportunities and spearheading the development and delivery of innovative hotel offerings in various markets. With 25+ years of extensive experience, he has worked in 19 countries and has been a part of 12 significant hotel refurbishments and pre-openings, including the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.
Anish Padgaonkar – Executive Chef – Cinnamon Life
Anish Padgaonkar is the Executive Chef at Cinnamon Life, known for his culinary expertise and innovation in modern cuisine. With years of experience in fine dining, Anish brings a fusion of international flavors and local ingredients to create exceptional culinary experiences. His leadership and passion for food have made him a key figure in the hospitality industry, ensuring that Cinnamon Life remains a premier destination for gourmet dining.
