Pix by Nisal Lakmal and Lahiru Suranjaya
With the advent of Social Media, being ‘social’ is not just an option anymore - it’s a mandate. Social Media enables people, organisations and communities to connect, making it a vital consumer touch point for any business. This year Colombo celebrates Social Media Day 2012 with the world on the 30 June, to identify the tools, technology and people that are bringing together a connected generation.
Social media has set the platform, whether it’s using Twitter to break down barriers or creating new ways to communicate through Facebook, the digital revolution is taking place right before our eyes. ‘Social Media Day’ is a global celebration of technological advancements with the aim of bringing together the social media and new technology enthusiasts around the world. This year too, the ‘Social Media Community’ in Sri Lanka organized the local event in Colombo, in recognition of the growth potential the platform provides. Social Media Day 2012 will be celebrated in over 500 cities across the globe.
Today, Social Media has become more relevant from a local perspective. It has not only provided a platform for mere connectivity but enables sharing, learning and serves as a portal for stakeholder engagement and interaction. Changing and transforming the face of marketing and branding, it has revolutionised and enhanced the many mediums used as media. Organisations now have realised the potential vested in social applications such as Yammer that encourages internal communications. Tools such as LinkedIn, are used as channels for recruitment or selecting the perfect candidate for the required area of interest.
Commenting on the occasion Senior Manager Marketing of Etisalat Lanka, Gamika De Silva said “We are privileged to be exclusive partner for an event of this magnitude, which shares global importance. Social Media today has empowered us to stay connected to information in real time. The tools have enabled us to communicate from miles apart, and the platforms have given a voice to society. Sri Lanka is moving fast towards a sphere of social media and we have to embrace the wave of change to be part of this global phenomenon.”
Sharing his insights on Social Media Head of Value Added Services at Etisalat Lanka Channa Munasinghe said “The local social media community is growing and today Sri Lanka has over 1.13 million Facebook users. Most businesses have comprehended the significance of Social Media and are using multiple forms of it to communicate with the consumer. “
Several Sri Lankan Social Media Stars were also part of the event held in Colombo. The line up included networking sessions insights into Social good by Sarvodaya Fusion,a video by the Sri lankan Memes team and You tube sensation Jehan Rananthunga was also featured live from Australia via Google hangout.
For more information on the Social Media Day, please visit: http://mashable.com/smday or follow the #SMDay and #SMDayCMB on twitter.
