- A Nationwide Autism Consciousness Initiative
- Collective effort of artists from throughout the island
- Erasing stigma and fostering inclusion
Merak 2026 is a nationwide initiative organised by The Tree Home Worldwide in collaboration with artists and college students from universities and colleges throughout Sri Lanka. The initiative goals to drive significant autism consciousness whereas addressing stigma by creativity, sustainability and public engagement. Merak is the charity wing of The Tree Home Worldwide and is devoted to autism consciousness and environmental sustainability.
On the centre of the marketing campaign is an formidable try and construct the world’s longest sensory wall. Stretching 80 metres, the wall might be product of particular person boards, every one deliberately designed for people on the autism spectrum. The set up might be interactive and academic, permitting members of the general public to expertise sensory variations in a sensible and reflective method. On this initiative, the medium itself carries the message of inclusion, sustainability and shared duty.
The mission is led byDr Anton James, Director ofThe Tree Home Worldwide and Founding father of Merakwho described the broader nationwide imaginative and prescient behind the marketing campaign: “Sri Lanka has 23 million individuals. Our goal is obvious. We would like at the least one individual in each family to listen to the phrase autism and perceive what it means. The sensory wall carries that message by its design. It represents inclusion, neighborhood collaboration and environmental duty. The world file try will entice consideration, however the true purpose is consciousness. When individuals start to learn, ask questions and search understanding, that’s when change begins.”
The official launch of the sensory wall is scheduled for April 2026.
Merak 2026 is supported by The Kayden Cares Framework “For Sri Lanka to thrive, we should perceive, assist, and uplift people throughout this full spectrum of human expertise. The worth contributed by those that persevere regardless of boundaries is immense, and the loss when they aren’t supported is felt throughout society” stated Soshana Wijeratne Austin, Founder, The Kayden Cares Framework.
The initiative can be backed by Nyne Motels and legendary designer and hospitality entrepreneur Nayantara “Taru” Fonseka. The involvement of Nyne Motels highlights the significance of the function of the non-public sector in advancing inclusive social influence and strengthening nationwide consciousness round points that have an effect on weak and marginalised communities.
By bringing collectively artists, educators, companies, households, and communities, Merak 2026 goals to construct sustained consciousness round Autism whereas demonstrating how sustainability, training, and inclusion can intersect to create significant social change and nationwide transformation.
