Eden Investments creates financial products for everyone, not just the elite: Founder

Dunith De Silva

As Sri Lanka’s economy navigates a path toward recovery, Eden Investments founder Dunith De Silva is betting on a model that combines digital finance, local capital retention, and perpetual giving. In this interview, De Silva outlines how Eden is leveraging technology to democratize investment opportunities while powering a self-sustaining charitable foundation, an approach he believes could redefine financial inclusion and philanthropic impact in the country. Following are the excerpts: 

Q Could you share what inspired you to establish Eden Investments and the Eden Foundation?

The idea behind Eden came from realising that what I wanted—a financial system that benefits investors and supports charity sustainably—already existed in pieces but nowhere combined. So, I created Eden Investments which would in turn power Eden Foundation in the future as a self-sustaining charity that generates its own returns indefinitely. When you pursue something bigger than yourself to help others, the universe rewards you in ways you can’t imagine.

Q Could you explain how this self-sustaining charity model works?

Absolutely. Say you donate one million rupees to Eden Foundation. We invest that money, aiming to generate around a 10 percent annual return. That means every year, Rs. 100,000 is available to fund charitable causes—forever. The original capital stays intact, so the foundation is self-sustaining. This approach makes Eden Foundation unique—unlike traditional charities, it doesn’t rely on continuous donations.

Q Fascinating. How do you ensure that investments support the Sri Lankan economy?

We keep all funds circulating within Sri Lanka. If a Sri Lankan deposits money, it stays in the country—no transfers overseas. Withdrawals can only go back into the same Sri Lankan bank account used to deposit. This model prevents capital flight and protects the economy, ensuring our platform supports local financial stability.

Q What types of investment products do you offer through Eden Investments?

We currently offer three main options. First, a fixed income product with quarterly returns, similar to a fixed deposit. Second, an option to buy cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum where investors earn interest while waiting for market conditions to meet their target prices. 

Third, we’re developing principal protected note—structured products that let investors gain upside exposure to volatile assets with zero risk of losing their principal. These have traditionally been exclusive to the wealthy but we’re making them accessible.

Q How do you build trust given past financial scandals in Sri Lanka?

Trust is everything. That’s why we have a dedicated insurance fund held by First Capital, a well-established asset manager. Your insurance money is separate, solely reserved to cover claims. At any time, if you want to withdraw your investment, you simply submit a claim and we pay you. No questions, no delays. This is as transparent and safe as it gets in the investment world.

Q Many DeFi projects position themselves against traditional banks and governments. What’s Eden’s approach?

We’re different. I want to collaborate with banks, governments, and regulators—not fight them. We develop the technology and offer them access, so they don’t have to build it themselves. 

With regulatory frameworks in place, banks can safely offer higher-yield products and expand services. It’s a win-win. We solve problems like money leaving the country while ensuring transparency and security on blockchain technology.

Q How do you see Eden’s role in Sri Lanka’s future, especially given current economic challenges?

Sri Lanka faces brain drain and economic hurdles, but there’s enormous opportunity. Entrepreneurs like me see every departure as a chance to build something meaningful here. 

Sri Lanka is a fertile ground for innovation and financial inclusion—we just need to water the grass. Eden is that bridge between technology, finance, and social impact. I’m committed to giving Sri Lanka a chance to benefit from this revolution.

Q What’s next for Eden Investments and the Eden Foundation?

We’re focusing on scaling responsibly. We’re limiting individual investments between 100,000 and 1 million rupees to allow many people to participate and keep the insurance fund sustainable. 

Once we prove the model here, we’ll expand, possibly to markets like Dubai or Australia. But my hope is that local banks and regulators will partner with us, embrace this innovation, and help us make it mainstream in Sri Lanka.

Q Any final thoughts for our readers?

Yes. The future is digital, collaborative, and transparent. Eden Investments is about creating financial products that work for everyone—not just the elite—and supporting charity in a way that lasts forever. It’s about giving options, freedom, and trust back to people. If we all come together—government, banks, entrepreneurs—there’s no limit to what we can achieve.