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Bureau බියුරෝ
590 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2020
19 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
Manjula Senaratne
10 books106 followersමංජුල සේනාරත්න (Sinhala)
Manjula Senaratne is a prominent Sri Lankan author known for his diverse literary contributions. He began his writing career at the young age of 18 as a feature writer for the "Tharunaya" newspaper. A year later, he became the sports editor for the "Lankadeepa" newspaper, making him one of the youngest journalists in the media industry at that time.
Senaratne's works often explore themes of love, human relationships, and their complexities. He has written several popular books, including "12.12.12," a detective and mystery thriller that gained significant popularity. Other notable works include "Bureau," "Rosa Maligave Manusaththu," and "Priya Samaga Iridawak," which span genres from romance to suspense.
Despite moving to Paris, Senaratne continued his literary pursuits, editing a monthly magazine named "Kawula". His storytelling is known for its depth and the intricate portrayal of human emotions and interactions.
Manjula Senaratne is a prominent Sri Lankan author known for his diverse literary contributions. He began his writing career at the young age of 18 as a feature writer for the "Tharunaya" newspaper. A year later, he became the sports editor for the "Lankadeepa" newspaper, making him one of the youngest journalists in the media industry at that time.
Senaratne's works often explore themes of love, human relationships, and their complexities. He has written several popular books, including "12.12.12," a detective and mystery thriller that gained significant popularity. Other notable works include "Bureau," "Rosa Maligave Manusaththu," and "Priya Samaga Iridawak," which span genres from romance to suspense.
Despite moving to Paris, Senaratne continued his literary pursuits, editing a monthly magazine named "Kawula". His storytelling is known for its depth and the intricate portrayal of human emotions and interactions.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 4, 2021
I think this book is overrated. Just couldn't get past 20 pages. Story is very unrealistic to me.
October 13, 2021
Another super original Sinhala spy book by Manjula Senaratne. This is a story about an family involved in an operation between a secret intelligence service and a terrorists. This book is full of chapters on espionage, wars, bombings, border crossings and enemies.
Read this author's own story 12.12.12 and then read it. But the two books are not sequels. If such books continue to be published, we can have good hopes for new Sinhala literature.
Read this author's own story 12.12.12 and then read it. But the two books are not sequels. If such books continue to be published, we can have good hopes for new Sinhala literature.
May 6, 2022
This book was poorly written with a little background knowledge and so predictable. I’m a kind of person who never leaves a book unfinished and that was the only reason to read this to the last page. 2 stars for the effort.
September 12, 2021
Well not bad but kinda overrated 😬 12.12.12 was wayy realistic than this, i felt kinda boring when the father kept worrying constantly about his son.
September 23, 2021
Overrated 😑
December 27, 2024
Dived into this after an enjoyable experience with 12.12.12, the unofficial prequel to this story by the same author. By the time I was done, Bureau felt like a downgrade overall, though with some redeemable qualities all the same.
Bureau is an original spy thriller written in Sinhala, and credit where it is due to the author for the effort, since there are hardly any other contemporary books in the same genre that are not translations, with characters of Sri Lankan origin. But the same fact is what causes issues in the plot and the narrative.
Fundamentally, there were numerous instances where the suspense of disbelief with Bureau as a story were at an all time low. Though it is fiction, the events, characters, their motivations, and how the plot unfolds as a whole felt too unrealistic, especially when you have read stories of the same genre, translated or otherwise. The constant disclaimers in subscript throughout the chapters explaining how certain government/military protocols, technologies and organizations do not function as in the story though it is expressed as such, were very counter intuitive in terms of coming to terms with the fiction that you are reading. It is understandable that certain facts do need disclaimers for legal purposes or general clarity but they simply could have been listed elsewhere rather than alongside the story. The author constantly tries to iterate that this is "not just another fiction" and "it does not happen like in the movies" often through dialogues between characters, which in turn made it even more unrealistic than a movie script at times.
It also felt like the characters who needed the qualities the most lacked depth and motivation, but those who did not were given pages of exposition and backstory that ultimately served no purpose, and had made the book tediously long, in comparison to 12.12.12. The shift between first person and third person narration in between chapters was interesting in certain events but also seemed to overcomplicate things at times. In general, the titles of both "12.12.12" and "Bureau" could be attributed to clickbait, because they are not the most significant event or fact of the underlying story.
All that being said, this still is a work of literature from a Sri Lankan author with great potential, but in dire need of more research, fact corrections and effort in setting up a believable fictional world with unlikely characters that stumble upon great peril unbeknownst to themselves. Though the style of writing and language for a spy thriller needs more finesse (especially when it is about characters that are highly unlikely to be involved in the events in the story), the author is great at expressing emotions and worldbuilding. Though Bureau was not the most pleasant read, I feel like the author has more to give, but the audiences could definitely help with more constructive criticism than blind fan faith and appraisal.
Bureau is an original spy thriller written in Sinhala, and credit where it is due to the author for the effort, since there are hardly any other contemporary books in the same genre that are not translations, with characters of Sri Lankan origin. But the same fact is what causes issues in the plot and the narrative.
Fundamentally, there were numerous instances where the suspense of disbelief with Bureau as a story were at an all time low. Though it is fiction, the events, characters, their motivations, and how the plot unfolds as a whole felt too unrealistic, especially when you have read stories of the same genre, translated or otherwise. The constant disclaimers in subscript throughout the chapters explaining how certain government/military protocols, technologies and organizations do not function as in the story though it is expressed as such, were very counter intuitive in terms of coming to terms with the fiction that you are reading. It is understandable that certain facts do need disclaimers for legal purposes or general clarity but they simply could have been listed elsewhere rather than alongside the story. The author constantly tries to iterate that this is "not just another fiction" and "it does not happen like in the movies" often through dialogues between characters, which in turn made it even more unrealistic than a movie script at times.
It also felt like the characters who needed the qualities the most lacked depth and motivation, but those who did not were given pages of exposition and backstory that ultimately served no purpose, and had made the book tediously long, in comparison to 12.12.12. The shift between first person and third person narration in between chapters was interesting in certain events but also seemed to overcomplicate things at times. In general, the titles of both "12.12.12" and "Bureau" could be attributed to clickbait, because they are not the most significant event or fact of the underlying story.
All that being said, this still is a work of literature from a Sri Lankan author with great potential, but in dire need of more research, fact corrections and effort in setting up a believable fictional world with unlikely characters that stumble upon great peril unbeknownst to themselves. Though the style of writing and language for a spy thriller needs more finesse (especially when it is about characters that are highly unlikely to be involved in the events in the story), the author is great at expressing emotions and worldbuilding. Though Bureau was not the most pleasant read, I feel like the author has more to give, but the audiences could definitely help with more constructive criticism than blind fan faith and appraisal.
February 8, 2023
A good thriller to read! Sinhalese story based on a foreign land.
February 10, 2025
Interesting storyline, happy ending. Love the story and how it got folded. Some chapters are not relevant to the story at all, though.
October 14, 2021
Other half of 12.12.12.
November 23, 2025
Bureau by Manjula Senarathne was an absolutely gripping read, easily one of the best Sinhala thrillers I’ve come across.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The character building was strong, and the relationship between father and son Dayal Madagedara and Rashith Madagedara was genuinely heartwarming. Dayal’s devotion to his family, and the courage he shows by willingly walking into the hands of terrorists to save his son, was captivating and emotional. This was beautifully contrasted with the second father in the story, who is trying to kill his own daughter. The parallel between love and trauma on both sides was portrayed brilliantly.
The flow of the story was smooth, the pacing tight, and every plot thread felt connected and meaningful.
One of my favourite moments was the reveal of the Jaan character, turning out to be Nathalie Muniye from 12.12.12. I suspected it might be her from the hints and Easter eggs scattered throughout, but I still doubted myself… until the reveal confirmed it. That twist was amazing. And then finding out that it was Bathiya (also from 12.12.12) in the car during the final chapter, being transported as a prisoner of Nathalie added an unexpected layer of closure to the previous book. I loved how the author cleverly wove that connection between the two stories. (For a moment I thought it might be Nazeer Kadar from the camp, so I was surprised and impressed!)
I felt very 50/50 about Layla. She was responsible for many innocent deaths, so seeing her survive at the end wasn’t something I found satisfying from a moral angle. But from Rashith’s POV, it makes sense, she’s the love of his life, and I could see potential for redemption in her, especially as she started recognizing the weight of her actions. And Rashith is exactly the kind of character who could guide her toward becoming a better person. So, in that way, their ending together felt right for the story.
And I must say, the author’s note at the beginning (“Do not read the letter at the end until you finish the story”) was absolutely correct. That final letter hits differently once you’ve walked through the full journey. (and I noticed once I closed the book that the cover of the book was an envelope, cool detail)
Overall, Bureau is a truly amazing book a must-read for thriller lovers, and an absolute gem in modern Sri Lankan literature. Highly recommended.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The character building was strong, and the relationship between father and son Dayal Madagedara and Rashith Madagedara was genuinely heartwarming. Dayal’s devotion to his family, and the courage he shows by willingly walking into the hands of terrorists to save his son, was captivating and emotional. This was beautifully contrasted with the second father in the story, who is trying to kill his own daughter. The parallel between love and trauma on both sides was portrayed brilliantly.
The flow of the story was smooth, the pacing tight, and every plot thread felt connected and meaningful.
One of my favourite moments was the reveal of the Jaan character, turning out to be Nathalie Muniye from 12.12.12. I suspected it might be her from the hints and Easter eggs scattered throughout, but I still doubted myself… until the reveal confirmed it. That twist was amazing. And then finding out that it was Bathiya (also from 12.12.12) in the car during the final chapter, being transported as a prisoner of Nathalie added an unexpected layer of closure to the previous book. I loved how the author cleverly wove that connection between the two stories. (For a moment I thought it might be Nazeer Kadar from the camp, so I was surprised and impressed!)
I felt very 50/50 about Layla. She was responsible for many innocent deaths, so seeing her survive at the end wasn’t something I found satisfying from a moral angle. But from Rashith’s POV, it makes sense, she’s the love of his life, and I could see potential for redemption in her, especially as she started recognizing the weight of her actions. And Rashith is exactly the kind of character who could guide her toward becoming a better person. So, in that way, their ending together felt right for the story.
And I must say, the author’s note at the beginning (“Do not read the letter at the end until you finish the story”) was absolutely correct. That final letter hits differently once you’ve walked through the full journey. (and I noticed once I closed the book that the cover of the book was an envelope, cool detail)
Overall, Bureau is a truly amazing book a must-read for thriller lovers, and an absolute gem in modern Sri Lankan literature. Highly recommended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2023
"Bureau" is a gripping book that mixes a mystery involving Sri Lankans and French characters. The story is easy to follow and exciting, with characters who feel real and a plot that jumps between different times and people. I was constantly trying to guess what would happen, and the surprise ending really caught me off guard. It even links to another book by the same author in a clever twist. I really enjoyed reading it, and it's one of the best Sri Lankan books I've read in a long time.
June 18, 2025
Actually it was very bored at starting but once enter into the main point or once you understood it it will be super interesting. All about an innocent family being tortured by the superior power of the country.
There are so many unexpected twists are remaining.
Personally I love it. Do not forget the starting part.
There are so many unexpected twists are remaining.
Personally I love it. Do not forget the starting part.
December 9, 2020
this is categorized as a spy thriller. but made me cry reading this :) . It's beautifully written, touching and thrilling until the last page. I wish this would be translated to English so that everyone can read; and that would save the hope of still good people are out there.
July 23, 2021
Beautiful written spy thriller and very interesting to read to know what happen next. Finally nice combination with 12.12.12 story
January 7, 2023
Best of this genre written in Sinhala language! Amazing! Looking forward for the next book already.
January 14, 2024
Perfectly written! Reminds me of a Sydney Sheldon novel.
My favourite sentence was " පුංචි අඩුපාඩු තිබුනත් ලෝකෙ හොඳම මිනිස්සු ඉන්නේ ඒ රටේ.."
My favourite sentence was " පුංචි අඩුපාඩු තිබුනත් ලෝකෙ හොඳම මිනිස්සු ඉන්නේ ඒ රටේ.."
March 5, 2025
Another gripping thriller by Manjula Senaratne—I personally enjoyed this one more than 12.12.12. Some parts felt a bit unrealistic to me, but overall, it’s a solid read!
October 25, 2025
A great book. But not good as 12.12.12
May 2, 2022
Exceptionally Good book considering a Sri Lankan novel on a foreign soil.
January 14, 2021
A beautifully written spy thriller, blended with emotions. Good read.
November 12, 2021
one of the best modern era spy novel written by manjula.
story is about a sri lankan family lives in Paris whom unwillingly involved in a secret government mission.
story is about a sri lankan family lives in Paris whom unwillingly involved in a secret government mission.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews