The customary gun salute, the topmost of its kind, was accorded under the directives of Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, under the guidance of the Commanding Officer of the ship, Captain Indika de Silva.  A Gun Salute is viewed as a mark of respect and the highest honour of 25-gun salute only coincides for nothing but the nation. Going by this time-honoured custom, Sri Lanka Navy today executed this military honour from SLNS Gajabahu to match up with the 75th Independence Day celebrations.

The custom springs from naval tradition in the 14^th century, where warships were firing their cannons demonstrating they were competently diffused, to portray the lack of adverse intent in the direction of the opposition. The same gesture has been returned by cannon in coastal strongholds, to signal the incoming ship that they are disarmed. It has turned into a custom over time.

Traditionally, the main mast of a ship is dressed with maritime signal flags when a Gun Salute honor is bestowed. Consequently, to deck out the vessel with flags for this ceremonial occasion, the main mast of SLNS Gajabahu had been dressed with signal flags highlighting the phrase “25 Gun Salutes for the Nation.”

Bursts of gunfire put forward from four 47mm guns equipped onboard SLNS Gajabahu rent the air in the city of Colombo, rediscovering the national spirit. In the meantime, the gunfire party involved the Commanding Officer, SLNS Gajabahu Captain Indika De Silva together with Executive Officer, Commander Sumudu Dissanayake and Gunnery Officer, Lieutenant Commander Milinda Yapa.