The conflict leads to adverse repercussions. It suppresses not only the development activities, but also the education of a country. The objective of the study was to find out the influence of ethnic conflict on the attainment of students in GCE (O/L) examination in the eastern province of Sri Lanka. A sample of 18 schools situated in Ampara, Batticaloa and Trincomalee districts was selected using random stratified sampling technique. From each school 10 teachers and its principals were selected for gathering information. Content Analysis of Examination Results, Questionnaire on Impact of Ethnic Conflict and Interview were used as tools for collecting data. The results of the study revealed that the ethnic conflict of Sri Lanka has affected the performance of the students who studied GCE (O/L) examination during the war period. For remedial actions, it was suggested to provide scholarships and facilities to the war affected students. The private investment in education was also motived in the east.