COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, August 3, 2025 (ePRESS) – Global casino giant Melco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd. opened its first South Asian property in Colombo this week, with Chairman Lawrence Ho declaring Sri Lanka could become “India’s Macau” — a booming gaming and tourism destination for Indian travellers.
The $1.2 billion City of Dreams Sri Lanka resort, developed in partnership with the island’s top conglomerate John Keells Holdings, is expected to transform the local tourism and entertainment landscape.
“Sri Lanka can be to India what Macau is to China,” Ho said during the launch event in Colombo. “Macau is the biggest gaming market in the world. Colombo is the closest destination to India, and an integrated resort like this gives the city a lot of potential.”
Melco, a Hong Kong-listed operator of luxury gaming resorts, already runs successful properties in Macau, Manila, and Cyprus. Colombo is its first major step into South Asia, made possible after Sri Lanka established a legal framework for gaming in 2023.
“This is more than just a luxury resort,” Ho explained. “It’s about raising Sri Lanka’s global profile and boosting the tourism economy. Projects like this spark demand for local services, products, and jobs.”
He also highlighted the growing number of affluent Indian travellers. “India’s rising middle and upper classes are looking for unique and world-class experiences. Sri Lanka can offer that — with authenticity.”
Ho said he was first inspired to invest after seeing plans for the development during a visit to Colombo in 2013.
John Keells Chairperson Krishna Balendra said the launch of such a large-scale resort sends a powerful message to the world: “Sri Lanka is open, stable, and ready for investment again.”
“This $1.2 billion project is expected to bring massive economic benefits through tourism, employment, and new business opportunities,” Balendra added.
The star-studded launch featured a performance by Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan, adding glamour to the event and drawing attention from regional media.
Melco’s entry is seen as a major vote of confidence in Sri Lanka’s economic recovery following years of political unrest and financial crisis.
