With the escalation of the Sri Lankan Civil War, public access to the site was restricted.

This was due to its placement in a high-security zone as it is across the street from the Naval Headquarters and close proximity of the Port of Colombo.

The tradition originated when the sailors of the Ceylon Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve fired a 15- Gun Salute at the Galle Face Green on the first Independence Day on 4 February 1948.

In 1952 two additional QF 4-inch naval guns were brought from the United Kingdom and mounted at Galle Buck Bay in the Colombo harbour in preparation of the Royal visit of Princess Elizabeth, which did not occur as she returned halfway due to the death of her father the King.

Royal Ceylon Navy awarded a 56 gun salute on the day of the King's funeral.