City of Dreams Sri Lanka marked its first anniversary on August 2, 2026, celebrating a milestone that has contributed to reshaping Sri Lanka’s tourism, hospitality and lifestyle landscape.
The opening of South Asia’s first fully integrated resort marked one of the country’s most significant tourism developments, introducing a destination that brings together luxury accommodation, world-class dining, entertainment, retail and lifestyle experiences under one roof. Since its highly anticipated launch, City of Dreams Sri Lanka has established itself as a vibrant destination contributing to Colombo’s appeal as a hub for leisure, business and entertainment.
During its first year, the integrated resort has welcomed both local and international visitors, offering an experience that combines hospitality, dining, entertainment and lifestyle offerings. Large-scale MICE events, international conferences, destination weddings, global entertainment performances and major celebrations have helped position the property as a destination for business, leisure and social occasions.
The resort’s international culinary collaborations, signature restaurants and destination dining concepts have also added to Colombo’s evolving food scene. Meanwhile, international partnerships have helped strengthen Sri Lanka’s appeal among regional and global travellers, particularly visitors from India.
Kamal Munasinghe, Senior Vice President, Colombo Hotels, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and General Manager, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka, said the first anniversary represents more than simply the completion of a year.
He noted that the milestone reflects the beginning of a new destination experience for Sri Lanka, bringing together guests, global partnerships and international experiences under one roof. He also highlighted growing interest from international and regional travellers, as well as an increasing number of destination weddings and major events choosing the resort.
Looking ahead, City of Dreams Sri Lanka said it remains focused on building on its first-year momentum and delivering new experiences for visitors in the years ahead.
Anniversary Celebrations and Culinary Experiences
To mark the anniversary, celebrations began with 30% off food and beverages at participating specialty restaurants from August 1 to 9. This will be followed by anniversary-inspired set menus from August 10 to 16 at Staten Bar & Grill, Bistro des Marées, Yoroko and Sapphire Dragon.
Created by the respective culinary teams, the special menus will feature signature dishes highlighting the diversity of dining experiences available at the integrated resort.
As part of the anniversary programme, Indiya will also host a two-day culinary collaboration on August 7 and 8, bringing together two of India’s celebrated dining destinations, Indian Accent Mumbai and Ekaa.
The exclusive guest chef experience will feature Executive Chef Rijul Gulati of Indian Accent Mumbai and Chef Niyati Rao, Head Chef and Partner of Ekaa. They will present specially curated vegetarian and non-vegetarian Chef’s Tasting Menus inspired by India’s culinary heritage and combining innovative techniques, premium ingredients and contemporary interpretations.
The anniversary celebrations highlight City of Dreams Sri Lanka’s first year as a major addition to Colombo’s hospitality, dining and entertainment landscape while setting the stage for its next chapter.
CWIT Achieves 2026 Great Place to Work Certification™
Colombo West International Terminal (Private) Limited (CWIT) has been officially recognised with the Great Place to Work® Certification™ for 2026, becoming the first container terminal in Sri Lanka to receive the prestigious workplace recognition.
The certification is based entirely on feedback from CWIT employees about their workplace experience, with 88% of employees stating that CWIT is a great place to work.
Great Place to Work® is a global authority on workplace culture and employee experience, with its certification recognising organisations that demonstrate strong workplace environments based on employee feedback and organisational practices.
Sarah Lewis-Kulin, Vice President of Global Recognition at Great Place to Work, said achieving the certification requires consistent and intentional commitment to the overall employee experience. She noted that the recognition is based on real-time employee feedback about company culture and reflects CWIT’s position as an organisation that provides a positive workplace environment.
Commenting on the achievement, Munish Kanwar, CEO of CWIT, said the company was proud to become the first container terminal in Sri Lanka to receive the certification. He attributed the organisation’s continued success to the dedication and commitment of its employees.
Kanwar also highlighted several milestones achieved by CWIT, including becoming the first terminal in the Port of Colombo to handle 1 million TEUs within 11 months of commissioning, marking the fastest achievement of this scale in Sri Lanka’s port history.
CWIT has also developed the first female automated Ship-to-Shore (STS) Crane Operator in the region, reflecting the terminal’s focus on creating opportunities, supporting diversity and developing talent.
Thimesh Nanayakkara, Head of Human Resources at CWIT, said the certification reflects the company’s commitment to building an inclusive and people-centric workplace where employees have opportunities to develop and succeed.
CWIT has nearly 20% female representation in its workforce, while approximately 60% of its employees are fresh talent who have been given opportunities to build careers within the organisation.
The Great Place to Work certification marks another milestone for CWIT, recognising the contribution of its employees while highlighting its focus on workplace culture, diversity and career development within Sri Lanka’s container terminal industry.
City of Dreams Celebrates First Anniversary of Transforming Colombo’s Hospitality and Entertainment Scene
