Sri Lanka's first large-scale casino resort "City of Dreams" will have its grand opening on August 2 in the capital Colombo, attracting over 400 gamblers from India, Thailand, the Philippines, Macau, and other regions to participate in the launch ceremony. The project is jointly developed by Nuwa Hotels Group and Melco Resorts & Entertainment, aiming to create a "new entertainment landmark in South Asia," with Indian gamblers expected to be the main customer base.
In addition to gamblers, the organizers have also arranged for about 150 female "service staff" from various countries to arrive, raising concerns about the potential involvement of grey services at the event.
The original plan was to invite Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan to attend, but due to religious controversy, he was replaced by Hrithik Roshan at the last minute, who will perform without broadcast restrictions, becoming the highlight of the event.
The Sri Lankan government views this project as an important step in revitalizing tourism and the economy. "City of Dreams" targets the high-end Asian gaming market, integrating gambling, performances, gourmet dining, and luxury accommodations. However, analysts point out that while such projects can attract investment, they also risk introducing money laundering, sex services, and other underground industries, especially for small countries in desperate need of foreign exchange, where risks and opportunities coexist.
