Bollywood Superstar Hrithik Roshan Headlines Grand Opening of City of Dreams Sri Lanka

Colombo, Sri Lanka – August 2, 2025 – Bollywood icon Hrithik Roshan lit up the stage at the grand opening of City of Dreams Sri Lanka, South Asia’s first integrated resort, in a star-studded event held in Colombo on August 2, 2025. The landmark occasion, attended by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, marked a transformative moment for the island nation’s tourism and hospitality sector, with the $1.2 billion resort poised to redefine Colombo as a global destination for luxury and entertainment.

The event, which drew over 400 high-profile guests, including a significant number from India, was a celebration of glamour and ambition. Roshan, renowned for his dynamic performances in films like Krrish, War, and Super 30, captivated the audience with a high-energy dance performance from his upcoming action blockbuster War 2, set for release later in August 2025. His presence added a touch of Bollywood charisma to the evening, amplifying the resort’s launch campaign, “Let’s Go, Let Go,” which invites visitors to embrace a new era of leisure and indulgence.

City of Dreams Sri Lanka, a joint venture between John Keells Holdings (JKH) and Melco Resorts and Entertainment, represents the largest private sector investment in Sri Lanka’s luxury hospitality sector. The sprawling complex features the ultra-luxury Nüwa Hotel, a 180,000-square-foot world-class casino operated by Melco, a premium shopping mall, fine dining restaurants, and immersive entertainment venues. The resort is designed to attract affluent tourists from India, the Middle East, Russia, and China, positioning Colombo as a gateway destination akin to Macau for China, according to Melco Chairman Lawrence Ho.

The opening ceremony, managed by Wizcraft Entertainment, was a glittering affair, blending local and international talent. Andre Timmins, Co-Founder and Director of Wizcraft, remarked, “Hrithik’s presence makes this celebration all the more memorable, capturing the spirit of joy and grandeur that defines this historic occasion.” Roshan, stepping in as the special guest after Shah Rukh Khan withdrew due to personal reasons, expressed his excitement in a video message prior to the event: “I’m thrilled to visit the beautiful island nation of Sri Lanka for the grand opening of City of Dreams. Colombo is vibrant, soulful, and still waiting to be discovered. Let’s go, let go!”

President Dissanayake’s attendance underscored the resort’s significance to Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and tourism ambitions. In a statement, JKH Chairman Krishan Balendra highlighted the project’s completion as a milestone, noting, “The operationalization of all elements, including a top-tier international standard casino, the ultra-luxury Nüwa Hotel, and the premium lifestyle-focused shopping mall, marks the realization of South Asia’s first fully integrated luxury resort.” The event also featured cultural showcases and live performances, emphasizing the resort’s role in fostering regional connectivity and cultural exchange.

The launch comes at a time when Sri Lanka is actively working to boost its tourism sector following economic challenges. The government’s recent relaxation of import restrictions on casino equipment facilitated the project’s completion, signaling a strategic push to attract high-roller demand from the region. With Roshan’s star power and the resort’s world-class offerings, City of Dreams Sri Lanka is set to draw significant attention, both locally and internationally, as it redefines Colombo’s skyline and establishes the city as a hub for luxury and entertainment.

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