Philadelphia 211: City urges public to use prevention hotline in fight against gun violence

US President Donald Trump speaks during a retreat with Republican lawmakers at Camp David in Thurmont, Maryland, January 6, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / SAUL LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images) The National Archives and Records Administration informed lawmakers that a number of electronic communications from Trump White House staffers remain missing, nearly two years since the administration was required to turn them over.The nation's record-keeping agency, in a letter Friday to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, said that despite an ongoing effort by staff, electronic communications between certain unidentified White House officials were still not in their custody."While there is no easy way to establish absolute accountability, we do know that we do not have custody of everything we should," Debra Steidel Wall, the acting U.S.

Ukraine is formally applying for a fast-track membership to the NATO military alliance, but experts say it will likely take years for the country to actually become a member.

Police officer injured in Spring Garden crash. PHILADELPHIA - An officer was involved in a crash in the Spring Garden section of the city Sunday morning, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.The crash occurred at the intersection of North 22nd Street and Pennsylvania Avenue around 6 a.m.The officer reportedly suffered minor injuries due to the crash.

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis on Sunday appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin for a cease-fire, imploring him to "stop this spiral of violence and death" in Ukraine and denouncing the "absurd" risk of the "uncontrollable" consequences of nuclear attack as tensions sharply escalate over the war.Francis uttered his strongest plea yet about the seven-month-old conflict, which he denounced as an "error and a horror."It was the first time in public that he cited Putin's role in the war. The pontiff also called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to "be open" to serious peace proposals.Francis told the public, gathered in St.

CHICAGO - Chicago police said a little boy was killed in West Lawn on Friday night in what was apparently a road rage incident.The gunman brazenly shot into a car with four children inside, with Mateo Zastro, 3, becoming yet another victim of Chicago’s senseless violence. "We will not rest until those responsible for this senseless and cowardly act of violence are brought to justice," 8th District Commander Bryan Spreyne said. The attack happened around 8:30 p.m. Friday. Police said Mateo was riding with his mom and three siblings near 44th & West Marquette Road.

PHILADELPHIA - Chaos unfolded in Old City late Saturday night as droves of cars and large crowds filled the streets.Crowds began to gather near the intersection of Market and 3rd streets around 10 p.m., with cars blocking traffic in all directions. Hundreds of people then emerged from the cars, some forming a large circle at the intersection.Video from the scene showed several cars performing doughnuts and burnouts.

Rita Wilson still has a "persistent cough", more than two years after contracting COVID-19. The 65-year-old singer-and-actress and her husband Tom Hanks were the first famous faces to come forward and reveal they had contracted the virus in the early days of the pandemic in March 2020 and though the 'Asteroid City' star is still feeling the effects of the illness, she feels "very lucky" that things aren't worse. Asked if her breathing and therefore her singing had been affected by the virus, she said: "It was.

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson looks on during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field on September 18, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Courtney Culbreath/Getty Images) ((Photo by Courtney Culbreath/Getty Images))PHILADELPHIA - Years passed in Philadelphia with sports fans around the globe howling, how could the city erect a statue of Rocky Balboa but not one for real boxing Hall of Famer and famous resident Joe Frazier?The answer: The statue was nothing more than a movie prop left behind once "Rocky III" filming was finished so it could stand as a tourist attraction.

ArriveCAN, mask mandates among changes as Canada drops COVID-19 border rules Federal officials announced earlier this week that a cabinet order affecting mandatory vaccinations, testing and quarantine of international travellers would not be renewed as the new month began.That means travellers to Canada no longer need to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19, while wearing a mask on planes and trains is now optional.British Columbia residents Joanne and Ted Parker say they would have preferred to see the rules stay in place for masks, which are still recommended.“I think they’re an excellent protection,” Joanne Parker said while waiting at Pearson International Airport, just west of Toronto.“And if one person wears them it’s not that helpful, but if everybody wears them it’s really helpful.”But she said she’s already come to terms with the likelihood that mask rules are gone for good.Earlier this week, when the couple flew into Pearson, they noticed some people were flouting the restrictions days before they were lifted, including one fellow passenger who she said ignored a flight attendant’s request to keep their mask on.“I didn’t like it, but I wasn’t going to say anything because I thought at the end of the week it’s going to be OK anyway,” she said.Ted Parker suggested there were “plusses and minuses” to lifting the final COVID-19 travel restrictions.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The University Grants Commission says that about 93,000 applications have been received for consideration of university admission this year.The UGC Chairman, Senior Prof.

WISSAHICKON - An apparent road rage situation led to the shooting of a 37-year-old man in Philadelphia's Wissahickon section.According to officials, 5th District officers were called to an alleyway near the 3900 block of Manayunk Avenue, just off the 300 block of Hermit Street Saturday night, around 9:30, on a report of gunshots.When police arrived, they found a 37-year-old man suffering with at least three gunshot wounds and the alleged shooter was also on location.Philadelphia Police Inspector D.F. Pace explained an apparent road rage incident took place on Ridge Avenue between the driver of a white Jeep SUV and the driver of a large, dark-colored Chevrolet van.Somewhere on Ridge Avenue, the driver of the Chevy got out, approached the Jeep and pounded on the hood of the vehicle.Inside the Jeep was a male driver, his wife and 7-year-old child.The driver of the Chevy got back into his vehicle and drove off, according to Inspector Pace, but the driver of the Jeep pursued the Chevy, down Ridge, onto Hermit Street and into the alleyway, with the Chevy crashing into two vehicles parked on the Manayunk Ave.

CRESCENTVILLE - The family of a young girl who was killed outside of her Crescentville school Wednesday afternoon says her death wasn’t an accident.17-year-old Saniah Moore died when police say a fellow student hit her wile backing up their car.The girl’s mother says she saw it with her own eyes."Saniah…she was a beautiful, young mother that really had her head right," the victim’s mother, Jessica Sollenberger, said.RELATED COVERAGE: Officials: Girl, 17, struck, killed by car while trying to run from an assault in CrescentvilleSollenberger cannot believe her daughter, Saniah, is really gone, leaving her 7-month-old daughter, London, without her mother."She went to work. She went to school.

A policeman sets up a cordon next to a torched vehicle outside Kanjuruhan stadium in Malang, East Java on October 2, 2022. - At least 127 people were killed when angry fans invaded a football pitch after a match in Malang, East Java in Indonesia late MALANG, Indonesia (AP) - Panic at an Indonesian soccer match after police fired tear gas to stop brawls left 129 dead, mostly trampled to death, police said Sunday.Several fights between supporters of the two rival soccer teams were reported inside the Kanjuruhan Stadium in East Java province’s Malang city after the Indonesian Premier League game ended with Persebaya Surabaya beating Arema Malang 3-2.The brawls that broke out just after the game ended late night Saturday prompted riot police to fire tear gas, which caused panic among supporters, said East Java Police Chief Nico Afinta.This picture shows a torched car outside Kanjuruhan stadium in Malang, East Java on October 2, 2022.

Rescuers searched for survivors among the ruins of Florida’s flooded homes from Hurricane Ian while authorities in South Carolina began assessing damage from its strike there as the remnants of one of the strongest and costliest hurricanes to ever hit the U.S. continued to push north.

BERKS COUNTY, Pa. - A local boy will never forget a reunion with his military dad for the first time in nearly a year. And, the best part – it was all a surprise.One by one, the students at Owatin Creek Elementary got into place for their outdoor patriotic pep rally. The excitement felt with every wiggle.

(Credit: Food and Drug Administration) BENTON HARBOR, Mich. - Old Europe Cheese, Inc. has issued a voluntary recall for its Brie and Camembert cheeses over concerns of possible listeria contamination, according to the U.S.

BOULDER COUNTY, Colo. - County leaders in Colorado said they mistakenly sent $238,000 to hackers after one of its vendors experienced a cyberattack. Boulder County said on its website that after its vendor was hacked, a spearfishing e-mail was sent to the county. Thinking it was the vendor itself, the county sent the check. However, it turned out the money was sent to a fraudulent account. Retirement accounts have become a popular target for cybercriminals looking to cash out."Although the county has safeguards in place to prevent these types of frauds from occurring, and we successfully thwart attacks by fraudsters several times a year, we did not catch this one in time to prevent the check from being cashed," County Administrator Jana Petersen said on the county’s website.

MARION COUNTY, Ore. - Authorities in Oregon said a kidnapped woman secretly called 911 and called out phrases and street names to discreetly alert officers where to find her and the suspect. Marion County deputies said a 911 call came in Wednesday evening after 5 p.m. local time to the Willamette Valley Communications Center 911.The dispatcher picked up the phone and heard a woman in the background telling someone to "get out of my car" and "don’t touch me."The dispatcher continued to listen to the open line as the woman said street names in the background while driving to alert officers as to where they could find her.RELATED: Video: Man kidnapped off Queens streetDispatchers then alerted officers from the Salem Police Department. Officers found the woman at Shari’s Restaurant on Lancaster Drive SE.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - Hundreds of hot air balloons lifted off Saturday morning, marking the start of an annual fiesta that has drawn pilots and spectators from across the globe to New Mexico’s high desert for 50 years now.As one of the most photographed events in the world, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta has become an economic driver for the state’s largest city and a rare — and colorful — opportunity for enthusiasts to be within arm’s reach as the giant balloons are unpacked and inflated.Three of the original pilots who participated in the first fiesta in 1972 and the family members of others are among this year’s attendees.

Aleksandr Melnikov (Philadelphia Police Department)SOMERTON - Philadelphia police have made an arrest in connection with a June car accident that resulted in the death of an off-duty Philadelphia police officer.According to officials, 18-year-old Aleksandr Melnikov, from Philadelphia’s Bustleton section, was arrested September 30th, at Philadelphia AID headquarters.The deadly accident occurred June 23rd, just before midnight. Authorities say a car was heading south on Bustleton Avenue, traveling at a high rate of speed, and did not stop at a red light at Bustleton and Rennard Street.RELATED COVERAGE: 'A real tragedy': Off-duty Philadelphia police officer killed in Somerton crash, authorities sayThe car hit a vehicle traveling west on Rennard.

Second Lieutenant Kody Sims instructs students participating in the Army's new Future Soldier Prep Course who are working to improve their Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test scores at Fort Jackson on September 28, 2022 in Columbi The Army fell about 15,000 soldiers — or 25% — short of its recruitment goal this year, officials confirmed Friday, despite a frantic effort to make up the widely expected gap in a year when all the military services struggled in a tight jobs market to find young people willing and fit to enlist.While the Army was the only service that didn't meet its target, all of the others had to dig deep into their pools of delayed entry applicants, which will put them behind as they begin the next recruiting year on Saturday.The worsening problem stirs debate about whether America’s fighting force should be restructured or reduced in size if the services can't recruit enough, and could also put added pressure on the National Guard and Reserve to help meet mission requirements.According to officials, the Marine Corps, which usually goes into each fiscal year with as much as 50% of its recruiting goal already locked in, has only a bit more than 30%. And the Air Force and the Navy will only have about 10% of their goals as they start the new fiscal year.

Spirit Airlines logo (Photo Illustration by Rafael Henrique/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) A Spirit Airlines flight from Baltimore to Orlando returned to Baltimore shortly after takeoff Friday night because of a problem with the engine. According to FlightAware, a flight tracking website, the plane took off at 8:35 p.m. and was back on the ground at 8:51 p.m.

PHILADELPHIA - Four men were struck by gunfire as shots rang out less than a block from a hospital in Northeast Philadelphia early Saturday morning.Police say the quadruple shooting erupted out he 5000 block of Frankford Avenue, which is just feet away from Jefferson Frankford Hospital.Four men were reportedly brought to the hospital by private vehicle after being shot.A 20-year-old man is in critical condition after suffering a gunshot in the face. He was transferred to Jefferson University Hospital.MORE HEADLINES:Three other victims are in stable condition: a 50-year-old man shot in the chest; a 38-year-old man shot in the ankle; and a 36-year-old man shot in the hand.No arrests have been made, and no weapon recovered.

PHILADELPHIA - A 17-year-old girl is recovering after police say she was shot inside a car on a street in South Philadelphia.The teen was reportedly found in the driver seat of car on the 700 block of Carpenter Street around 2:14 a.m. Saturday.Police saw she was suffering gunshot wounds to the neck and torso.

PLAINS, Ga. - It's a special day for the oldest-living former U.S. president and Georgia native Jimmy Carter.Carter is celebrating yet another milestone Saturday - his 98th birthday.The former president will celebrate his birthday with family and friends in Plains, the tiny Georgia town where he and his wife, 95-year-old Rosalynn, were born in the years between World War I and the Great Depression.HERE'S HOW YOU CAN WISH JIMMY CARTER A HAPPY 98TH BIRTHDAYJason Carter, the former president’s grandson now leading the Carter Center board, described his grandfather, an outspoken Christian, as content with his life and legacy."He is looking at his 98th birthday with faith in God’s plan for him," the younger Carter, 47, said, "and that’s just a beautiful blessing for all of us to know, personally, that he is at peace and happy with where he has been and where he’s going."Jason Carter said his grandfather is mostly looking forward to a simple day that includes watching his favorite Major League Baseball team, the Atlanta Braves, on television.CEO OF CARTER CENTER REFLECTS ON JIMMY CARTER'S LEGACY ON 98TH BIRTHDAYIf you'd like to wish the Georgia native a happy birthday, the Carter Center has set up a digital board for people to post heartfelt birthday messages on its website.Former President Jimmy Carter interviewed for "The Presidents' Gatekeepers" project at the Carter Center, Atlanta, Georgia, September 14, 2011.

Russia said Saturday it has withdrawn its troops from the once-occupied city of Lyman, as Ukraine’s eastern counteroffensive recaptures more territory.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Three people, including a Sri Lankan woman who attempted to sell an infant via social media for 12,000 Dirhams, have been arrested in Dubai.Dubai media revealed that a 35-year-old Indonesian woman attempted to sell her newborn baby boy in need of money.Two associates, including a Sri Lankan woman, have helped her in her efforts to find a buyer.The 45-year-old Sri Lankan woman had posted an advertisement online last February to sell the 2-month-old baby.After receiving information about this incident, the Dubai Police has initiated an investigation to find the suspects.Accordingly, a policewoman contacted the Sri Lankan woman and went under the pretense of attempting to buy the child, and in the process, arrested the three suspects.In the trial held last week, all three were found guilty at the Dubai Courts for human trafficking.Accordingly, one suspect has been sentenced to three years in prison and a fine of four thousand dirhams.Due to their illegal stay at the United Arab Emirates, they have been sentenced to an additional month's imprisonment and a fine of 1,000 dirhams.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Rating agency Fitch states that the demand for beer may increase in the near future as the affordability for Sri Lankans may decline. The US based credit ratings firm states that consumers may trade down from spirits to strong beer, given beer's lower price point. Moreover, Fitch forecasts that the drop in sales volumes will be moderated in the next 12-18 months, assuming an ease in inflation spikes. Fitch also forecasts mild beer sales to rise on a gradual recovery in tourism.Excise duties from alcoholic-beverage makers made up 11% of government tax revenue in the past year, however with the  imposition of a social security tax of 2.5% on revenue in addition to the increase in Value Added Tax to 15% from 12% may increase the price of alcoholic beverages.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – China is a most sincere and reliable friend of Sri Lanka, notes the Ambassador Qi Zhenhong in a statement released by the Embassy in commemoration of the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.The Ambassador also visited several key Chinese enterprises and projects in Sri Lanka to meet with the local and the Chinese staff to pass wishes for the National Day holiday in China.The full statement of the Chinese Embassy is as follows:On the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and with the approaching of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, I would like to wish the country prosperity and progress, our people health and happiness, and best regards to all the Chinese fellow citizens working, studying and living in Sri Lanka! I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our Sri Lankan friends from all walks of life, who have always been following and supporting the development of China and China-Sri Lanka relations!In the past year, the world has gone through tremendous changes. Under the strong leadership of CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, we have overcome adverse effects brought by complexed international challenges，sporadic outbreaks of COVID-19 pandemic and unpredictable earthquakes, floods and droughts, and China’s economy has maintained a stabilized and increasing momentum with much potential to be released.

Two men critical after double shooting. PHILADELPHIA - What began as a deadly shooting early Saturday morning has taken a turn thanks to the action of medics.Officers arrived to find two men suffering from gunshot wounds when they responded to shooting on the 1900 block of Lansing Street just before 2 a.m.One man was initially pronounced dead after being shot in the head.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The former Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Ambika Satkunathan has filed a petition at the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka challenging the Bill titled “Bureau of Rehabilitation Act”, emphasizing that the provisions of Bill are inconsistent with the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution of Sri Lanka.The petition states that the Bill purports to establish a Bureau for the rehabilitation of “drug dependant persons, ex-combatants, members of violent extremist groups and any other group of persons who require treatments and rehabilitation”.Moreover, the petitioner alleges that these categories have not been properly defined and do not clarify how persons may qualify for rehabilitation under these categories, in addition to assuming that “members of violent extremist groups” and “drug dependent persons” require that same approach to rehabilitation. The Bill, Sathkunathan states, uses vague and arbitrary classifications, leading to persons being detained for rehabilitation for even participating in protests, as recent arrests of protestors under the Prevention of Terrorism Act have demonstrated. The petitioner further states that under this bill, the rehabilitation process has been militarized, and allows the President to designate any member of the armed forces to exercise, perform and discharge the powers, duties and functions under the Act.The petitioner therefore requests the Supreme Court to declare several sections of the Bill as outlined in the petition inconsistent with the Constitution of Sri Lanka as they violate the fundamental rights and Sovereignty of the People.

FILE - Coolio on July 14, 1995, in Chicago, Il. (Paul Natkin/WireImage)Fans will get a chance to listen to new music recorded by the late West Coast rapper Coolio following his death on Wednesday. Coolio’s dialogue and music will be featured in the upcoming reboot of the animated comedy "Futurama." The artist made recordings for the show before he died at the age of 59."Futurama’s" executive producer David X.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – MP Namal Rajapaksa has reiterated his commitment to recontest the upcoming elections via a broad alliance.Speaking at a program held in Bandarawela, the MP said that current President Ranil Wickremesinghe has succeeded in stabilizing the economy, as well as in going forward with the IMF staff agreement, and the SLPP will extend its support in this regard.He further emphasized the importance of ensuring that law and order prevails within the country, preventing incidents such as murders and other crimes from taking place in Sri Lanka.

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 11: Rapper PnB Rock performs onstage during the 92.3 Real Street Festival at Honda Center on August 11, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images) LOS ANGELES - A man who was arrested in Las Vegas on Thursday, and his 17-year-old son, were charged with murder in the fatal shooting of rapper PnB Rock at a South Los Angeles restaurant, authorities said.An FBI-led fugitive task force took 40-year-old Freddie Lee Trone into custody at about 1 p.m., Los Angeles police said.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Traffic movement will be restricted along the Colombo-Avissawella road from 10 PM on Saturday (01) until 5 PM Sunday (02), says the Police. Accordingly, traffic will be restricted along the Colombo-Avissawella road from Wellampitiya intersection until the Kotikawatta intersection due to an essential maintenance work, which includes laying water pipes.The Water Supply Board stated that during the closure of the road, alternative routes can be taken from Wellampitiya Road via Kolonnawa to Gothatuwa Town, Kotikawatta Road in order to re-enter Avissawella Road.

Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly says the world is “not naïve” about who may be responsible for the apparent bombings that damaged Russia-built natural gas pipelines under the Baltic Sea, calling the acts “sabotage.”

Canada slapped new sanctions on Russian officials and elites Friday after President Vladimir Putin formally annexed four regions of Ukraine.

CENTER CITY - With the violence and safety concerns in Philadelphia, football games look and feel different, especially for the schools impacted by the Roxborough High School shooting.Friday night football, before the sun goes down, as the Boys’ Latin versus Martin Luther King 7 p.m. kickoff was moved up to 3 p.m. because of security concerns."This week has been extremely challenging for our young people, their families, teachers and leaders," CEO of Boys’ Latin of Philadelphia, Dr.

SALISBURY TWP., Pa. - Emergency crews were called to the scene of a fatal plane crash in Lehigh County.Officials said the crash happened Wednesday afternoon, just after 1:30, on the 1400 block of Keystone Road, in Salisbury Township.Plane crash in Lehigh County. Crews sprayed down the plane, which appeared to be completely destroyed under a tree on the property.Keith Kozel, 49, died as a result of the plane crash.

Oreo Snickerdoodle Sandwich Cookie (Oreo)Oreo officially announced its limited edition Snickerdoodle Sandwich Cookies Wednesday, but apparently the cookie brand has been dropping hints about its newest flavor since last week — at least that’s according to their Twitter account.  "Want to know the next OREO Cookie flavor? Read the first word of our last 8 tweets," the company said in a Sept.

Uganda's health ministry on Twitter today reported four more lab-confirmed Ebola Sudan cases, as well as one more death in a patient with a confirmed infection. The developments push the country's overall total to 54 cases, 35 of them confirmed and 19 listed as probable. The latest death brings Uganda's fatality count to 25, 7 in confirmed patients and 18 in people who had probable infections.Officials said 427 contacts have been ident

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 22: PnB Rock attends the BET Awards Radio Broadcast Center at Microsoft Theater on June 22, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images for BET) LOS ANGELES - Chilling new details about the final moments of rapper PnB Rock’s life were revealed in court documents as a family of three, including a 17-year-old boy, has become the center of the homicide investigation.Now, authorities are seeking a fourth suspect who may have tipped off the family about the rapper’s whereabouts.The rapper, whose real name is Rakim Allen, was robbed and shot inside Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles in South Los Angeles in broad daylight in front of his girlfriend, terrified patrons and staff on Sept.

FILE - Flowering field of industrial hemp. ( John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images)Vermont dispensaries are set to begin selling marijuana for recreational use, though only three will be ready to do so on opening weekend.FLORA Cannabis in Middlebury, Mountain Girl Cannabis in Rutland and CeresMED in Burlington will all open on Saturday.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) released an image of the human smuggling plane stopped at the Mid Valley Airport in Weslaco, Texas. (Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) ) Texas state police disrupted a human smuggling attempt by plane, leading to the apprehension of six illegal immigrants, including a deported felon wanted in Wisconsin for sexual assault on a child. Three other individuals, including a female U.S.

A research letter today in JAMA Network Open shows that, in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, US hospitals dealing with patient surges held emergency-department (ED) patients in places like hallways while awaiting an inpatient bed for a median of 6.6 hours, far longer than the Joint Commission's 4-hour standard.

A general view from the site after Hurricane Ian left Florida on Thursday following making landfall as a devastating Category 4 hurricane, on September 29, 2022 in Florida. (Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla. - When Ian's winds swept into this Gulf coast trailer park, they howled with such force that residents felt they would be lifted off the ground, even blown away.Now many homes in this community in North Fort Myers are crumpled and splintered.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Embassy of Sri Lanka to the United States, working in collaboration with renowned American humanitarian donor organizations, has achieved a significant milestone in the provision of free medicines and medical supplies to Sri Lanka from July to October 2022.Three consignments have already been sent to the Ministry of Health and a fourth is expected to land on 2nd October.The total value of the 4 consignments is over US Dollars 12,645,150. At today’s exchange rate, this is worth approximately SL Rupees 4.6 billion (exactly LKR 4,588,925,697).Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United States, Mahinda Samarasinghe, who reached out to US donor organizations earlier this year, has conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to the three donors, Heart to Heart International, Hope Worldwide, and Americares for their generosity which has proved timely and potentially lifesaving for hundreds of thousands of Sri Lankans in dire need. The Ambassador intends to continue working with humanitarian organizations and agencies to assist vulnerable segments of the population.Commencing in July 2022, Heart to Heart International has sent two consignments worth USD 9.131 million.The consignment from Americares arrived in Colombo earlier in September and is valued at over USD 773,000.