Sri Lanka has become the 48th country to connect to the Social Media Club (www.socialmediaclub.org), a global network which helps members become more knowledgeable in the field through relevant discussions, events & consultation. The local chapter is referred to as the Social Media Club Colombo (SMC.Colombo).

The primary mission(s) of the association is to expand digital media literacy, share lessons learned, promote standard technologies, encourage ethical behavior, and share best practices.
Numerous organizations in Sri Lanka have recognized social media as a viable tool in communicating to clients and generating interest for their products and brands. It has become vital in the strategies of many FMCG, tourism, mass media companies which look to establish connections and interact with end consumers beyond the product level.

There is a great deal of interest in Sri Lanka with regard to social media given its growing impact to businesses both small and large as well as society at large. It was as a result of this increasing interest that the chapter was set up to provide expert knowledge and to build knowledge within corporates and educational entities on managing social and digital media as base of support & much needed foundation for the sector.

The local chapter leadership board is composed of 12 industry professionals and the membership is growing from individuals from diverse backgrounds who are highly passionate about social media and its direction in the country both in formal and informal settings.

The chapter has a virtual presence both via the parent organization’s website as well as its own Facebook page facebook.com/smc.colombo and Twitter account @SMCColombo in addition to LinkedIn Group Social Media Club Colombo Chapter, where topics pertaining to the subject which are relevant to the Sri Lankan context will be shared and discussed.

SMC Colombo will spearhead key initiatives which will cover various aspects of business and education as it applies to the social media context and its responsible and effective use in these areas consistent with the aforementioned mission statements.

The Social Media Club has 318 chapters worldwide with 49 member countries covering 200+ cities reaching in excess of 200,000 people worldwide. The club, headquartered in California, was started in March 2006 by Chris Heuer and Kristie Wells to host conversations around the globe that explore key issues facing our society as technologies transform the way we connect, communicate, collaborate and relate to each other.

President and founder of the US-based organisation Kristie Wells said she was delighted to see the network expanding with the addition of Sri Lanka. 'We are glad to see such enthusiasm and desire to learn about the topic and expand its understanding in Sri Lanka and look forward to seeing the passion of the members come through in the various activities they will undertake in the future,' she said.

Social Media Club Colombo chapter welcomes all social media professionals & enthusiasts alike in the country to join in to the respective online profiles on Facebook, Twitter & LinkedIn and engage in the discussions, and most importantly to take part in future programs.