Sri Lanka has secured a Guinness World Record for the longest sensory board, a 60-metre tactile installation unveiled at the Merak 2026 autism awareness exhibition at the BMICH on May 16 and 17.
Tree House International led the 21-month project. Each segment of the board incorporated a mix of tactile elements — recycled ocean plastic, repurposed materials and everyday sensory objects such as zips, sequins and fidget components — designed as an immersive educational experience to foster empathy and understanding of autism, The Island reported.
“This project has been 21 months in the making. From the beginning, our goal was never simply to achieve a Guinness World Record, but to use it as a platform to bring autism awareness into mainstream public conversation and reach people who may not normally attend autism awareness events,” said Dr Anton James, founder of Tree House International. He said the art component drew creative communities while a beach clean-up and ocean-waste recycling initiative attracted youth and environmental groups.
Title sponsors Nayantara Fonseka, founder of Nyne Hotels, and Soshana Wijeratne Austin, founder of The Kayden Cares Framework, said they viewed the sensory wall as turning their commitment to care into something visitors could see, feel and experience.
Guinness World Records Senior Adjudicator Swapnil Dangarikar verified the attempt on site. “The kind of detailing, the kind of elements used, the kind of colour schemes and the effort gone into making and putting all of this together is commendable, and because it’s being done for such a good cause, I am even more excited to be present here and officially confirm this record as successful,” he said.
Sections of the board are being offered for purchase, with proceeds supporting Tree House International’s continued autism advocacy programmes.
Sources: The Island — Sri Lanka makes Guinness World Record History with Merak 2026 sensory board.
