The small fort served as a residence for the Portuguese Governor or Captain-Generals.

[1] Records indicate that a company of 70 soldiers were stationed at the fort.

The Portuguese subsequently abandoned it and focused their forces on Colombo fort and its defence.

[2] There are records that indicate that the fort was also used by Dutch, with approx.

[2] There are also stories that allege that Bhuvanaikabahu VII was assassinated by the Portuguese when he visited the Malwana fort.