Exploring the Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on Academic Performance in Sri Lanka: A Quantitative Analysis of GCE O/L Results

Wickramadara, L. M.
Deputy Commissioner of Examinations
Department of Examinations, Sri Lanka
Email: lakshimwickramadara@gmail.com

Abstract: This study examines the impact of socioeconomic factors – specifically household income and parental education – on academic performance in the General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level (GCE O/L) examination across districts in Sri Lanka. Despite the country’s commitment to free education, disparities in examination outcomes persist, prompting the need for a data-driven investigation into the underlying causes. Utilizing secondary data from the Department of Examinations and the Department of Census and Statistics, the study applies descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analysis to explore the district level variations. Findings indicate that household income is not a statistically significant predictor of academic performance, suggesting that other variables may play a more critical role. Notably, certain low-income districts demonstrate high academic achievement, highlighting the influence of factors such as community engagement, school quality and cultural attitudes towards education. The study underscores the importance of adopting a multidimensional approach in addressing educational inequality and recommends targeted interventions, improved infrastructure and the integration of broader socio-economic indicators into future research and policymaking efforts.