The Merak Charity

26/08/2026

𝐀 𝐒𝐫𝐢 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐚𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝’𝐬 𝐏𝐬𝐲𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲
We are deeply humbled that Merak 2026, Sri Lanka’s national autism awareness initiative, has been featured as a Special Feature in The Irish Psychologist, the magazine of the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI).

What began as an ambitious project undertaken by a small special needs school in Colombo has travelled further than we ever imagined, including attracting the attention of a professional psychology community in Europe.

But more important than how far Merak has travelled is why the idea is attracting attention.

Merak began with a simple question:

Are awareness campaigns actually reaching people who are not already aware?

Many traditional awareness initiatives naturally attract families, professionals, advocates and others who already have some connection to autism. Merak was designed to reach beyond these communities, using art, sensory experiences, environmental action and community participation as different pathways into autism awareness.

Perhaps the most meaningful impact came through the deeply emotional stories shared with us by parents. Some told us that while researching autism to create a sensory board, they began recognising characteristics of autism in their own children or loved ones. For some families, a creative community project became the beginning of an entirely unexpected and deeply personal journey of understanding.

These were conversations that may never have begun through a conventional autism awareness event.

People did not necessarily come to Merak because of autism. Autism became part of what they encountered.

The recognition from PSI raises an even wider question: could creative approaches like Merak help us reach hard to reach communities in other areas of mental health, disability and public awareness?

We are deeply grateful to the Psychological Society of Ireland for bringing a Sri Lankan initiative into this wider professional conversation.

Awareness cannot make a difference if it only reaches those who are already aware. The challenge is finding creative ways to reach everyone else.

07/07/2026

𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲: 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐤 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

Title: Beyond What You See

This sensory board represents the hidden inner world of a child with autism. While a teacher may see only a simple classroom task, the child may be processing many thoughts, sensory inputs, emotions, and patterns at the same time.

The lower section shows the visible reality—one worksheet and one instruction. The upper section reveals the child’s mind as a complex system filled with rotating gears, numbers, textures, locks, and interactive elements. Each sensory item symbolises constant mental activity, sensory sensitivity, structured thinking, and hidden emotions.

The purpose of this artwork is to make the invisible visible and to encourage understanding that what we see on the outside is not always the full story. It promotes empathy, awareness, and inclusion for individuals with autism.

Ms. HasiniAbeygunawardena STC

02/07/2026

Continuing the Legacy

Today, we were honoured to present a sensory board to His Excellency Masood Imad at the Maldivian High Commission.

This sensory board formed part of the record holding Longest Sensory Board in the World, unveiled on 16 May 2026 through Merak 2026, Sri Lanka's national autism awareness initiative organised by The Tree House International.

As this sensory board finds its new home, it continues the mission of promoting autism awareness, acceptance, inclusion, and a greater understanding of neurodiversity beyond the original event.

Designed and handcrafted by Shanaz Abdulla.

01/07/2026

𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲: 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐤 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

I See the World Differently

This sensory board is designed based on the theme “I See the World Differently.” It represents the unique way children with autism experience and understand the world around them. Every child is different, and this board reminds us that being different is not wrong, it is beautiful.

The butterfly is the main symbol of the board. A butterfly begins its life as a caterpillar. At first, people may only notice the caterpillar and think it is small, slow, or different. In the same way society sometimes focuses.

26/06/2026

19/06/2026

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

16/06/2026

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

13/06/2026

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

12/06/2026

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.