Latest news with #KrishanBalendra
Tourism Breaking News
3 days ago
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
City of Dreams Sri Lanka – A Landmark National Transformation
Post Views: 522 Sri Lanka's largest investment and South Asia's first integrated resort opened its doors, heralding a bold new chapter in the nations' economic journey. Positioned at the crossroads of modern luxury and local artistry, City of Dreams Sri Lanka (COD SL), is a living showcase of Sri Lankan ambition, creativity and global vision. The transformative destination set to redefine the skyline, economy and future of Sri Lanka is the proud product of John Keells Holdings and Melco Resorts & Entertainment (Melco). It is where innovation, opportunity and national pride, converge to shape a modern and globally admired Sri Lanka. 'This is a defining moment for Sri Lanka,' said Krishan Balendra, Chairperson of the John Keells Group. 'City of Dreams is the largest private investment in our country's history—an ambitious national vision brought to life. More than a development, it is a world-class destination designed to catalyse economic growth, elevate our global profile, and help shape a modern, forward-looking Sri Lanka that inspires generations to come.' Lawrence Ho, Chairman and CEO of Melco Resorts & Entertainment stated, 'We are honored to partner with John Keells Group on this visionary project. City of Dreams Sri Lanka reflects a remarkable collaboration, combining Melco's expertise with the warmth and culture of Sri Lanka. 'Through our role in operating NÜWA and the entertainment and gaming offerings, we are proud to contribute to a destination that celebrates Sri Lanka's unique identity while setting new standards for luxury and hospitality in South Asia.' Behind COD SL's gleaming façade lies a story of collaboration and craftsmanship. Over the last year, more than 500 local artisans, hospitality professionals, and creatives, partnered with international designers and Melco's global experts to bring this vision to life. From hand-carved interiors to curated art pieces, the resort is a canvas of Sri Lankan talent elevated for the world stage. The opening event brought together acclaimed international and local artistes, immersive multimedia installations, and culinary showcases, reflecting the integrated resort's promise to create moments that are as inspiring as they are unforgettable. A New Chapter for Colombo City of Dreams Sri Lanka is not just a luxury opening—it represents a symbol of resilience and renewal. As Colombo evolves into a vibrant, urban tourism hub, City of Dreams Sri Lanka is set to lead the way by hosting marquee events, attracting high-value travelers, and fostering a thriving ecosystem of local businesses. City of Dreams Sri Lanka is the region's first fully integrated resort, offering an ecosystem of experiences under one roof. This includes: (113 ultra-luxury rooms). A state-of-the-art casino and entertainment zone, operated by Melco, to international standards and governance Seventeen signature restaurants and bars curated by globally acclaimed chefs, introducing innovative menus inspired by Sri Lanka's vibrant culinary heritage. curated by globally acclaimed chefs, introducing innovative menus inspired by Sri Lanka's vibrant culinary heritage. Luxury retail promenade featuring designer brands alongside artisanal Sri Lankan featuring designer brands alongside artisanal Sri Lankan Expansive event and MICE facilities with state-of-the-art technology, redefining Colombo as a destination for conferences, exhibitions, and cultural festivals. with state-of-the-art technology, redefining Colombo as a destination for conferences, exhibitions, and cultural festivals. Residences and Offices are also a part of the COD
UAE Moments
6 days ago
- Business
- UAE Moments
City of Dreams Sri Lanka - A Landmark National Transformation
Colombo, Sri Lanka – 2 August 2025: Sri Lanka's largest investment and South Asia's first integrated resort opened its doors, heralding a bold new chapter in the nations' economic journey. Positioned at the crossroads of modern luxury and local artistry, City of Dreams Sri Lanka (COD SL), is a living showcase of Sri Lankan ambition, creativity and global vision. The transformative destination set to redefine the skyline, economy and future of Sri Lanka is the proud product of John Keells Holdings and Melco Resorts & Entertainment (Melco). It is where innovation, opportunity and national pride, converge to shape a modern and globally admired Sri Lanka. 'This is a defining moment for Sri Lanka,' said Krishan Balendra, Chairperson of the John Keells Group. 'City of Dreams is the largest private investment in our country's history—an ambitious national vision brought to life. More than a development, it is a world-class destination designed to catalyse economic growth, elevate our global profile, and help shape a modern, forward-looking Sri Lanka that inspires generations to come.' Lawrence Ho, Chairman and CEO of Melco Resorts & Entertainment stated, 'We are honored to partner with John Keells Group on this visionary project. City of Dreams Sri Lanka reflects a remarkable collaboration, combining Melco's expertise with the warmth and culture of Sri Lanka. 'Through our role in operating NÜWA and the entertainment and gaming offerings, we are proud to contribute to a destination that celebrates Sri Lanka's unique identity while setting new standards for luxury and hospitality in South Asia.' Behind COD SL's gleaming façade lies a story of collaboration and craftsmanship. Over the last year, more than 500 local artisans, hospitality professionals, and creatives, partnered with international designers and Melco's global experts to bring this vision to life. From hand-carved interiors to curated art pieces, the resort is a canvas of Sri Lankan talent elevated for the world stage. The opening event brought together acclaimed international and local artistes, immersive multimedia installations, and culinary showcases, reflecting the integrated resort's promise to create moments that are as inspiring as they are unforgettable. A New Chapter for Colombo City of Dreams Sri Lanka is not just a luxury opening—it represents a symbol of resilience and renewal. As Colombo evolves into a vibrant, urban tourism hub, City of Dreams Sri Lanka is set to lead the way by hosting marquee events, attracting high-value travelers, and fostering a thriving ecosystem of local businesses. City of Dreams Sri Lanka is the region's first fully integrated resort, offering an ecosystem of experiences under one roof. This includes: Two landmark hotels: Cinnamon Life @ City of Dreams (687 rooms) and NUWA @ City of Dreams (113 ultra-luxury rooms).
Syyaha
6 days ago
- Business
- Syyaha
City of Dreams Sri Lanka – A Landmark National Transformation
Colombo, Sri Lanka – 2 August 2025: Sri Lanka's largest investment and South Asia's first integrated resortopened its doors, heralding a bold new chapter in the nations' economic journey. Positioned at the crossroads ofmodern luxury and local artistry, City of Dreams Sri Lanka (COD SL), is a living showcase of Sri Lankan ambition, creativity and global vision. The transformative destination set to redefine the skyline, economy and future of Sri Lanka is the proud productof John Keells Holdings and Melco Resorts & Entertainment (Melco). It is where innovation, opportunity and national pride, converge to shape a modern and globally admired Sri Lanka. 'This is a defining moment for Sri Lanka,' said Krishan Balendra, Chairperson of the John Keells Group.'City of Dreams is the largest private investment in our country's history—an ambitious national visionbrought to life. More than a development, it is a world-class destination designed to catalyse economicgrowth, elevate our global profile, and help shape a modern, forward-looking Sri Lanka that inspires generations to come.' Lawrence Ho, Chairman and CEO of Melco Resorts & Entertainment stated, 'We are honored to partnerwith John Keells Group on this visionary project. City of Dreams Sri Lanka reflects a remarkable collaboration, combining Melco's expertise with the warmth and culture of Sri Lanka. 'Through our role in operating NÜWA and the entertainment and gaming offerings, we are proud tocontribute to a destination that celebrates Sri Lanka's unique identity while setting new standards for luxury and hospitality in South Asia.' Behind COD SL's gleaming façade lies a story of collaboration and craftsmanship. Over the last year, more than500 local artisans, hospitality professionals, and creatives, partnered with international designers and Melco'sglobal experts to bring this vision to life. From hand-carved interiors to curated art pieces, the resort is a canvas of Sri Lankan talent elevated for the world stage. The opening event brought together acclaimed international and local artistes, immersive multimedia installations,and culinary showcases, reflecting the integrated resort's promise to create moments that are as inspiring as they are unforgettable. A New Chapter for Colombo City of Dreams Sri Lanka is not just a luxury opening—it represents a symbol of resilience and renewal. AsColombo evolves into a vibrant, urban tourism hub, City of Dreams Sri Lanka is set to lead the way by hosting marquee events, attracting high-value travelers, and fostering a thriving ecosystem of local businesses. City of Dreams Sri Lanka is the region's first fully integrated resort, offering an ecosystem of experiences under one roof. This includes: Two landmark hotels: Cinnamon Life @ City of Dreams (687 rooms) and NUWA @ City of Dreams (113 ultra-luxury rooms). A state-of-the-art casino and entertainment zone, operated by Melco, to international standards and governance. Seventeen signature restaurants and bars curated by globally acclaimed chefs, introducing innovative menus inspired by Sri Lanka's vibrant culinary heritage. Luxury retail promenade featuring designer brands alongside artisanal Sri Lankan boutiques. Expansive event and MICE facilities with state-of-the-art technology, redefining Colombo as a destination for conferences, exhibitions, and cultural festivals. Residences and Offices are also a part of the COD SL.
The Star
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
China's BYD gains ground in Sri Lanka's auto market
COLOMBO, May 27 (Xinhua) -- BYD, a Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) maker, is expanding its footprint in Sri Lanka with plans to introduce DENZA, its premium luxury brand, through local distributor John Keells CG Auto. This was revealed at a press conference held here on Tuesday. Representatives of BYD and John Keells signed an MoU to facilitate DENZA's entry into the local market, showing their ambition to expand Sri Lanka's high-end electric vehicles. DENZA, established in 2010, focuses on luxurious new energy vehicles. Its current lineup includes premium models such as the D9, N7, Z9, and Z9GT, promising Sri Lankan consumers a fully optimized travel experience. Speaking at the event, Krishan Balendra, chairperson of the John Keells Group, said BYD's rapid success in Sri Lanka's NEV segment "reflects the strength of our partnership and our shared vision for the future of mobility." "The upcoming introduction of DENZA marks the beginning of yet another exciting chapter -- bringing premium NEV experiences to local customers," he said. Since Sri Lanka eased import restrictions in early 2025, BYD has swiftly captured consumer interest with a range of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Increasing demand for BYD vehicles shows the growing consumer shift toward new energy mobility in Sri Lanka. To further cement its market presence, BYD and John Keells CG Auto are rapidly expanding their showroom and after-sales networks. New showrooms are set to open soon in Ampara and Ratnapura in Sri Lanka's Eastern and Sabaragamuwa provinces, respectively. These new showrooms augment existing locations in Colombo, Galle, Kandy, and Kurunegala, four of the most populous cities in the country. Concurrently, after-sales service centers are also expanding into key locations such as Kandy, Galle, Kurunegala, Ratnapura, and Ampara, ensuring robust support for customers nationwide. Liu Xueliang, general manager of BYD Asia-Pacific Auto Sales Division, said Sri Lanka is a key market for BYD in South Asia. "While the scale of business in Sri Lanka is not on the same level as other markets we have entered in the region, Sri Lanka's size means that it can still serve as a global case study for the positive impacts of electric mobility on a national scale." Both companies have also planned to establish a regional training center, aimed at building technical capabilities locally. This aligns with their broader vision of enhancing the accessibility of NEVs, catering comprehensively from entry-level vehicles to premium luxury segments, shaping Sri Lanka's journey towards sustainable automotive solutions.
