The Merak Charity

𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲: 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐤 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

This artwork reflects how children with autism are often misunderstood by society. Many people quickly label them as “difficult” or “different” without trying to understand their emotions, behaviors, and unique way
of seeing the world. The pointing hands symbolize judgment, criticism, and misunderstanding.

But among those hands, only one hand offers a key. That key represents education, guidance, patience, love, and acceptance. When a teacher or someone who truly cares opens the child’s mind with understanding, the beautiful colors inside begin to shine, creativity, intelligence, emotions, talents, and endless potential.

This is not just art.
This is believing in every child with autism.

Ms. Shivoni Emmanuvel STC

𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲: 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐤 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

Sound and music can help children with autism feel calm,express emotions, and connect with the world aroundthem.Gentler hythms, familiar songs, and soothing sounds can create a sense of comfort and safety, especially during overwhelming moments.

Listening to calming music or simple repeated sounds may help reducestress and support focus and relaxation.
Music can also become a way for children to express feelings that may be hard to put into words.

Through singing,tapping,moving,or exploring different sensory sound items, they can communicate emotions,build confidence, and enjoy meaningful sensory experiences. These sound-based experiences can also encourage interaction with others
and help autistic children feel more connected to people and their environment.

Ms. Angel Pushparajah STC

𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲: 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐤 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

This artwork represents the idea that an individual with autism is like a deep ocean, full of hidden beauty, strength, and untapped potential. The diver symbolises the second person, the one who takes the time to look deeper, beyond the surface, to understand the many possibilities within that individual.

Just as treasures in the ocean are not visible at first glance, the talents, emotions, abilities, and unique qualities of a person with autism may not always be immediately noticed. With patience, care, and understanding, we can dive deep enough to discover those hidden treasures.

The message reminds us that every person has value, and when we look with empathy and curiosity, we can uncover abilities and strengths that might otherwise remain unseen.

Ms. Ruqaiya Moulana STC

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲

With great pleasure, we present this sensory board, which formed part of the Guinness Record winning longest sensory board in the world, created through the national autism awareness initiative, Merak 2026.

This board was presented to His Excellency the British High Commissioner British High Commission Colombo and celebrates the beauty of the Sri Lankan peacock through a range of tactile elements and interactive beads, inviting exploration through touch and sensory engagement.

The board was designed by Dr Anton James and handcrafted by Sharlini James as part of a lasting legacy that continues to raise awareness and appreciation of neurodiversity through art, creativity, and meaningful community engagement.

𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲: 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐤 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

This iceberg represents a child with ASD.
What we see on the outside is only a very small part of what they truly
experience inside. Beneath the surface, they may be managing big
emotions, sensory sensitivities, deep thoughts, anxiety, and the
challenges of understanding the world around them.
The buttons, beads, textures, and fidgets represent their inner world —
the ways they think, feel, cope, and self-regulate.
This reminds us that every child carries unseen struggles, strengths, and
emotions beneath the surface, and all they truly need is understanding,
patience, and acceptance.

Ms Gayathri Kannangara STC

𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲: 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐤 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞 : 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐚 𝐊𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐡
𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 : 𝐌𝐨𝐰𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐊𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐲 (𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭)

This sensory wall art beautifully represents a peaceful bungalow surrounded by a colorful garden filled with life, texture, and imagination. The artwork combines modern art with sensory elements, creating a space that is not only visually attractive but also emotionally comforting and interactive.
The bungalow in the center symbolizes home, safety, warmth, and happiness. Its bright colorful roof and windows reflect positivity, creativity, and the joyful energy of nature. The garden around the house represents growth, peace, freedom, and emotional balance — a place where the mind feels calm and the senses come alive.
The pathway leading toward the bungalow symbolizes a journey toward comfort, belonging, and inner peace. It invites the viewer into a world where colors, textures, and shapes create a safe emotional environment.
Sensory Elements Included
Ice cream sticks / wooden textures – provide tactile sensory stimulation and improve touch exploration.
Soft pom-poms and fluffy flowers – create comfort through soft textures and support sensory relaxation.
Chains and hanging decorations – encourage movement, curiosity, and fine motor interaction.
Glitter surfaces and colorful patterns – stimulate visual senses and attract attention.
Raised circular objects and bottle caps – offer different touch experiences and help sensory engagement.
Layered fabrics and strings on the pathway – add texture variation and tactile discovery.
Bright contrasting colors – support visual stimulation, emotional expression, and imaginative thinking.
Overall, this artwork is more than a garden bungalow scene.
It becomes a sensory world of happiness, comfort, creativity, and emotional connection with nature, where every texture and color tells a story of warmth and peaceful living.

𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲: 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐤 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞
𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭: 𝐆.𝐒𝐫𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐡 - 𝐌𝐨𝐰𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐊𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐲

This sensory wall art represents the beautiful journey of education, growth, and discovery. Every object and texture in the artwork symbolises how children learn not only through books, but through touch, movement, color, sound, and everyday experiences. The artwork transforms learning into an interactive adventure where knowledge becomes something a child can feel and explore.
The open book at the top symbolises wisdom, imagination, and the endless world of learning. Its soft turning pages encourage children to touch and interact, helping improve sensory awareness and fine motor skills.
The red zipper in the center represents opening the mind to new opportunities and unlocking hidden talents. Zipping and unzipping strengthens hand coordination and concentration while symbolising the process of growth through education.
The colourful beads and counting elements reflect mathematics, creativity, and problem-solving. Their different textures and movements stimulate tactile learning, improve finger control, and encourage focus and patience.
The clock symbolises time, discipline, and the importance of balancing study and life. It teaches children about routines, responsibility, and the value of every moment spent learning.
The pencil and school bag represent the daily journey of a student — carrying dreams, knowledge, and ambitions toward a brighter future.
The rotating gear/wheel symbolises the active mind constantly thinking, exploring, and creating new ideas. It reflects how education keeps the brain moving like a machine filled with imagination and innovation.
The colourful blocks and shapes encourage visual stimulation and sensory exploration. Their bright colours represent diversity in learning styles and the joyful energy found in education.
The upward arrow is one of the most powerful symbols in the artwork. It represents progress, success, confidence, and the rise toward a better future through education.
Overall, this sensory wall art beautifully communicates that education is not limited to reading books alone. True learning happens when children touch, feel, explore, and interact with the world around them. Through sensory experiences, children develop confidence, creativity, independence, and a lifelong love for learning.

Thank you to all the volunteers at Merak'23! Those who helped with the registrations, writing certificates, helping with all the kids' activities, beach cleaning, photography, handing out food, content writing, creating Autism Awareness, logistics, musicians, drama, HR, PR, Finance, compering, translators, and more.... You guys all did a wonderful job! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, and hope to see you all at our next event!