Final answer:
The 2004 tsunami significantly damaged the fishing industry in Sri Lanka, along with other coastal nations in the Indian Ocean region.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 2004 tsunami damaged the fishing industry in several countries due to its widespread impact across the Indian Ocean. One of the countries that suffered significant damage was Sri Lanka. The tsunami, caused by a 9.0 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Sumatra, sent a massive wall of water across the Indian Ocean, reaching and devastating coastal areas in countries from Thailand to India. In Sri Lanka, this natural disaster not only harmed the fishing industry but also greatly affected the tourism industry and overall economic conditions, already strained by an ongoing civil war.