In a landmark achievement for Sri Lanka and the global autism advocacy community, Merak 2026 has secured the Guinness World Record for the World’s Longest Sensory Board, marking a milestone in the intersection of art, inclusion, sustainability, and public awareness.

The Tree House International spearheaded the successful effort. Stretching 60 meters, each segment of the board incorporates a mix of tactile elements, from recycled ocean plastic to show sustainability, repurposed materials, and everyday sensory objects such as zips, sequins, and fidget components, creating an immersive educational experience that fosters empathy and understanding of autism in an artistic manner to tell a story of autism and individual stories.

The completed record-breaking sensory board was unveiled at the BMICH on 16th and 17th May, giving visitors a chance to experience the installation firsthand.

Originally conceived as an ambitious awareness initiative, the project has evolved into a powerful national movement, which Dr Anton James, Founder of The Tree House International and visionary behind Merak, describes as a collective triumph. “This project has been 21 months in the making. From the beginning, our goal was never simply to achieve a Guinness World Record, but to use it as a platform to bring autism awareness into mainstream public conversation and reach people who may not normally attend autism awareness events. The art component helped engage creative communities, while the beach clean-up and recycled ocean waste initiative attracted youth and environmental groups.”

Nayantara Fonseka, Founder of Nyne Hotels and Title Sponsor of the event, stated, “At Nyne, we believe hospitality extends far beyond creating beautiful spaces. It is about how we engage with communities and support causes that truly matter.”.

Soshana Wijeratne Austin, Founder of The Kayden Cares Framework and Title Sponsor, said, “By sponsoring the sensory wall, Kayden Cares brings its framework to life – turning our commitment to care into something people can see, feel, and experience every day”

Guinness World Records Official Senior Adjudicator, Swapnil Dangarikar, was present to verify the attempt, and wholeheartedly commended the project “These are all almost pieces of art. The kind of detailing, the kind of elements used, the kind of colour schemes and the effort gone into making and putting all of this together is commendable, and because it’s being done for such a good cause, I am even more excited to be present here and officially confirm this record as successful. You are all officially amazing!”

The boards are available for purchase, giving institutions, corporate organisations, and individual buyers a chance to own a piece of this historic advocacy initiative. Sponsors who have already supported the project through the purchasing of sensory boards include The Coca-Cola Company, Booteek, and Brandix.

Merak 2026 was supported by Title Sponsors Nyne Hotels and The Kayden Cares Framework, along with Wellbeing and Strategic Partner, I See You and the Infinite Grace Foundation. Exclusive Banking Partner – Hatton National Bank. Furniture Partner – Phoenix. F&B Partner – Diamond Best Food. Official Digital Partner – Pulse. Print Partner – Anim8. Supporting Sponsors, CAL, MAC Holdings, CBL, Mode Engineering, SZ Behaviour Consultancy, and Parents of The Tree House International.