The second goal is to achieve universal primary education. Sri Lanka has already made much progress in this regard. Promoting gender equality and empowering women is the third MDG. Sri Lanka has already eliminated gender disparity in both primary and junior secondary education, with the parity index being nearly 100 per cent in 2002. Goals 4 and 5 are to reduce child mortality and maternal mortality. The current trends indicate that Sri Lanka is on track to achieving child and maternal mortality goals. Other goals such as combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases, and ensuring environmental sustainability are also amongst our priorities. The final goal, developing a global partnership for development is also being pursued diligently. We are aware that, our country is, by and large, on track on the achievement of most of the goals. However, there remain considerable challenges. The critical challenge is that one-fifth of Sri Lanka's population is still living below the national poverty line and we need to take proactive and practical measures in that regard. Mr. Chairman, at this stage, as a precursor to the wider discussion that will take place on tomorrow, I would like to share some thoughts on the subject in the Sri Lankan context. Where do we stand? Sri Lanka is now a lower middle income country with a per capita income of around US dollars 1,355.
Your own Chairman, Prof. A D V de Indraratne, chairs such Committee and we have benefited immensely from the insights and advice rendered by such Committee. In a similar manner, I am certain that the research findings that will be presented by you at the conclusion of this very timely conference, together with the professional views expressed at the technical sessions would help policymakers immensely to reshape their policy focus appropriately. In conclusion, let me emphasize our deep commitment to your theme by referring to our own Mission at the Central Bank. The Vision of the Central Bank is that of being a credible and dynamic Central Bank contributing to the prosperity of Sri Lanka. As set out in our Strategic Plan, the term prosperity has a wider connotation: i.e., the enhancement of the quality of life of people through sustainable wealth creation and inclusion of all segments of the society in enjoying the benefits of development. The Central Bank expects to facilitate this process by ensuring price stability and financial system stability while providing prudential and pro-active policy recommendations, as the Advisor to the Government on Economic Affairs. We have, so far, taken a pro-active stance in the delivery of prosperity and we are encouraging the key stakeholders in our country also, to implement the necessary strategies towards such end. We see the Sri Lanka Economic Association as being a key partner in the delivery of prosperity in our country and we commend you for your commitment and dedication.