Chartered Scientist | Chartered Psychologist | Autism Advocate | Sensory Artist | Neurodivergent Leader | Certified Behaviour Analyst
I was born in Sri Lanka and grew up without access to school due to my autism. Isolated from formal education, I taught myself at home and eventually sat for the national exams—achieving one of the highest results in the country. As a teenager, I moved to Canada, where I was formally diagnosed with autism for the first time. That moment of understanding transformed my life.
I went on to become a Certified Behaviour Analyst in the UK, Canada, and the USA, and later a Chartered Behavioural Psychologist in both Ireland and the UK, specialising in autism. As a neurodivergent professional, my work bridges lived experience with scientific expertise—allowing me to design systems that are both inclusive and evidence-based. I was also elected a Chartered Scientist by the British Science Council, becoming the first social scientist of Sri Lankan origin to receive that honour. In recognition of my impact, I was awarded the highest designation by the British Psychological Society for service to the autistic community.
Despite these international achievements, I chose to return to Sri Lanka to build the opportunities I never had. Today, I lead large-scale autism awareness initiatives that bring together inclusion, sustainability, and art, grounded in scientific rigour and community participation.
I recently launched what is now the largest autism awareness initiative in the world, in collaboration with Guinness Records. We are building the world’s longest sensory wall, set to be unveiled in April 2026 during Autism Awareness Month. The sensory items used by autistic children in this installation are made entirely from ocean plastic collected across Sri Lanka—a deliberate fusion of environmental action and sensory accessibility.
In collaboration with artist and neurodiversity expert Dr Ineke Pitts, we have created 200 sensory art panels capturing the natural beauty of Sri Lanka through colour, texture, and movement. Each panel embeds recycled sensory tools designed for autistic regulation. These works are meant not only to be viewed, but to be touched, interpreted, and felt—opening a space where art becomes function, expression, and public inclusion.
After the Guinness Record attempt, selected panels will be digitally transformed and exhibited around the world, travelling to schools, galleries, parliaments, and community spaces. This global showcase will highlight how sensory art made from ocean waste can raise autism awareness while celebrating the beauty and resilience of Sri Lanka.
Merak Digital is more than a project. It is a movement where discarded materials become therapy, where neurodivergent perspectives shape public art, and where environmental and social sustainability meet.
If you believe in art as impact, inclusion as design, and neurodiversity as strength, we welcome collaboration. We are actively seeking artists, curators, institutions, and allies who share our belief that art must not only be seen—but truly felt.
www.thetreehouseinternational.com/merak
