The Tree House International has secured a historic Guinness World Records title through its Merak 2026 initiative, creating the world’s longest sensory board in a landmark achievement for autism awareness, inclusion, sustainability, and community engagement in Sri Lanka.
The record-breaking sensory board, stretching 60 metres in length, was unveiled at Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) on 16 and 17 May. Designed to reflect neurodivergent experiences, the installation featured tactile elements including recycled ocean plastic, repurposed materials, zips, sequins, and sensory components aimed at creating an immersive educational experience that encourages empathy and understanding of autism.
The initiative was spearheaded by Anton James, who described the project as more than an attempt to break a world record. He noted that the primary goal was to bring autism awareness into mainstream public conversation while engaging communities through art, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion. According to him, the project evolved into one of the world’s largest collaborative autism awareness movements, involving contributors from both Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
The project brought together artists, universities, schools, diplomatic missions, community groups, and international organisations. Participating academic institutions included University of Jaffna, University of Moratuwa, and KIU University, while the British High Commission in Sri Lanka also extended support to the initiative.
Andrew Patrick praised the project’s mission of ensuring greater public understanding of autism, stating that meaningful awareness begins with how individuals understand and respond to autism in everyday life.
The Guinness World Record attempt was officially verified by Swapnil Dangarikar, who commended the creativity, detail, and purpose behind the installation, describing the sensory boards as artistic works created for a meaningful social cause.
International support also came from organisations such as the Maldivian Ministry of Education and the International Behaviour Analysis Organisation (IBAO), which highlighted the importance of improving access to evidence-based autism support and behavioural therapy services globally.
Following the exhibition, selected sections of the sensory board are expected to travel to parliaments, hospitals, libraries, shopping malls, and galleries both locally and internationally to continue spreading awareness around autism, sustainability, inclusion, and community engagement. The initiative also aims to position Sri Lanka as a neurodivergent-friendly destination on the global stage.
INSEE Lanka Powers Build Sri Lanka Exhibition 2026 as Corporate Sponsor
INSEE Lanka, Sri Lanka’s only fully integrated cement manufacturer and market leader, has been announced as the Corporate Sponsor of the Build Sri Lanka Housing & Construction Exhibition 2026, organised by the Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka (CCI).
The exhibition will be held from 22–24 May 2026 at Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), bringing together stakeholders across the construction sector including manufacturers, suppliers, architects, engineers, developers, and homeowners, along with international participants.
As one of the most influential platforms in Sri Lanka’s construction industry, Build Sri Lanka aims to strengthen collaboration across the full construction value chain while bridging industry knowledge with public understanding to support better decision-making within the sector.
For INSEE Lanka, participation in the exhibition highlights its long-term commitment to sustainability, innovation, and industry development. The company will showcase its product portfolio, including INSEE Sanstha, Mahaweli Marine Plus Cement, advanced mortar solutions, and ready-mix concrete offerings, alongside its “INSEE i2i” (Innovations to Industry) collaboration platform.
Through INSEE i2i, industry stakeholders are provided with opportunities for knowledge sharing, product development, and testing of sustainable cement and concrete solutions in a collaborative environment.
Commenting on the sponsorship, Thusith Gunawarnasuriya said the company is proud to support Build Sri Lanka 2026, noting that such platforms play a vital role in shaping the future of the construction industry while driving innovation, quality, and sustainable growth for the country.
With over 55 years of presence in Sri Lanka, INSEE Lanka has introduced several industry milestones, including Portland Composite Cement (PCC), and continues to advance sustainability through certifications such as Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), the EcoLabel from the National Cleaner Production Centre, and a 5-Star Green Rating from the Green Building Council of Sri Lanka.
The company stated that its participation in Build Sri Lanka Exhibition 2026 reflects its broader vision of going beyond construction materials to create long-term value for communities, the industry, and the environment.
Sri Lanka Sets Guinness World Record with Merak 2026 Sensory Board
