Merak 2026: A National Autism Awareness Initiative Where the Medium Is the Message

Merak 2026: A National Autism Awareness Initiative Where the Medium Is the Message

Merak 2026 is a national initiative organised by The Tree House International in collaboration with artists and students from universities and schools across Sri Lanka. The initiative aims to drive meaningful autism awareness while addressing stigma through creativity, sustainability and public engagement. Merak is the charity wing of The Tree House International and is dedicated to autism awareness and environmental sustainability.

At the centre of the campaign is an ambitious attempt to build the world’s longest sensory wall. Stretching 80 metres, each panel will be intentionally designed for individuals on the autism spectrum, and will be made from a range of items including recycled ocean waste, discarded materials and natural elements. The installation will be interactive and educational, allowing members of the public to experience sensory differences in a practical and reflective way. In this initiative, the medium itself carries the message of inclusion, sustainability and shared responsibility.

Autism affects up to 1 in 31 individuals globally. In Sri Lanka, many individuals remain undiagnosed due to limited awareness and restricted access to evidence-based support. Merak 2026 seeks to bridge this gap by blending art, education and environmental responsibility, while connecting families and communities with accurate information and constructive conversations around inclusion.

The project is led by Dr Anton James, Director of The Tree House International and Founder of Merak, together with Chrystal Honsaker, Co-Director of The Tree House International, Sri Lanka’s only international school exclusively dedicated to neurodivergent students. Speaking about the purpose of the initiative, Chrystal Honsaker said, “Early intervention in autism begins with awareness. When people understand what autism is and what it is not, stigma reduces and support improves. Through Merak, we are creating a hands-on, sensory-rich experience that allows the public to engage, reflect and learn. The sensory wall is not simply an installation. It is an opportunity for education, empathy and a deeper understanding of neurodivergent individuals.”

Dr Anton James described the broader national vision behind the campaign: “Sri Lanka has 23 million people. Our objective is clear. We want at least one person in every household to hear the word autism and understand what it means. The sensory wall carries that message through its design. It represents inclusion, community collaboration and environmental responsibility. The world record attempt will attract attention, but the true goal is awareness. When people begin to read, ask questions and seek understanding, that is when change starts.”

The official launch of the sensory wall is scheduled for April 2026.

Merak 2026 is supported by The Kayden Cares Framework “Neurodiversity spans every culture, faith, and community, just as ageing and age-related conditions touch every family. For Sri Lanka to thrive, we must understand, support, and uplift individuals across this full spectrum of human experience. The value contributed by those who persevere despite barriers is immense, and the loss when they are not supported is felt across society” said Soshana Wijeratne Austin, Founder, The Kayden Cares Framework “As part of our commitment to dignity and inclusion, the Kayden Cares Framework is a proud co-sponsor of the Merek Sensory Wall Project, reinforcing our belief that neurodivergent individuals must be recognised, included, and celebrated. Inclusion is not an act of kindness—it is a responsibility. Every neurodivergent individual deserves to be seen, heard, and supported with dignity. That is the heart of the Kayden Cares Framework.”

The initiative is also backed by Nyne Hotels and legendary designer and hospitality entrepreneur Nayantara “Taru” Fonseka. The involvement of Nyne Hotels highlights the importance of the role of the private sector in advancing inclusive social impact and strengthening national awareness around issues that affect vulnerable and marginalised communities.

Merak 2026 is currently seeking additional sponsors and partners willing to support and scale the project’s impact. Organisations and stakeholders are invited to join this growing movement and contribute to the vital work of building a more inclusive future for Sri Lanka. To date, Merak 2026 has received support from panel printing sponsor – Anim8, a donation of 50 panel boards by Dian Gomez, and panel sponsorships from Coca-Cola, Brandix, Booteek and Phoenix Ventures.

By bringing together artists, educators, corporations, families, and communities, Merak 2026 aims to build sustained awareness around Autism while demonstrating how sustainability, education, and inclusion can intersect to create meaningful social change and national transformation.

About The Tree House International

The Tree House International is Sri Lanka’s only international school exclusively dedicated to children with special educational needs. The school was established to bring regulated, evidence-based educational and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) services to Sri Lanka, delivered with accountability and ethical oversight.

Founded with the vision of positioning Sri Lanka as a regional hub for high-quality special needs education, the school integrates structured academics with behavioural and therapeutic support. Approximately 85 per cent of enrolled families relocate to Sri Lanka specifically to access its professionally supervised, evidence-based programmes.

While operating as a private institution, The Tree House International was purpose-built to address critical gaps in special needs education. The organisation reinvests in community initiatives, professional training and national awareness programmes to extend its impact beyond its own student community.

Through its charity wing, Merak, the organisation leads national autism awareness initiatives. Through the Behaviour Analysis Registration Board, it works to strengthen certification and professional standards in Applied Behaviour Analysis, one of the most evidence-based approaches to the treatment of autism.

In the long term, The Tree House International aims to expand access to high-quality, evidence-based special needs education in Sri Lanka, with a commitment to developing more affordable models of care without compromising professional standards.

About The Kayden Cares Framework
The Kayden Cares Framework is a movement for care that sees, celebrates, and uplifts. Championing dignity and autonomy in every care relationship, neurodivergence and elder rights, inclusive arts and sensory friendly spaces, practical solutions with a human touch and storytelling that sparks change, the organisation is committed to building a nation in which no one is left behind.

About Nyne Hotels
Nyne Hotels is a Sri Lankan hospitality brand creating art-led, emotionally resonant hotel experiences. With a portfolio spanning the Luxe, Signature, and Essence collections, Nyne Hotels is redefining contemporary luxury through intuition, design, and a deep sense of place. To discover more about Nyne, visit www.nynehotels.com.